Manufacturing Month: Spotlight on the Women at the Plate “Meet Jackie”
The final profile in our series of Women at the Plate, we’re pleased to introduce you to Jackie Dell, Pre-Press Lead.
When we think of leading by example, we often picture bold displays of talent and outward achievement. But leadership can also take on a quiet form. By holding ourselves to the highest standards—driven by integrity, discipline, and a commitment to excellence—we lead not by show, but by substance. The example sets itself.
That is Jackie Dell’s style of leadership. She puts in the work each day, sets a high bar for quality, and expects those she supervises to do the same. The pre-press team respects Jackie’s work ethic and is motivated to hold themselves to the same standards.
It was at Norwich University in Vermont, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture with a Minor in Art, that Jackie learned how to make construction blueprints and use software programs for visual concepts. Shortly after graduation, Jackie joined Willington Nameplate’s pre-press department, fascinated by the process of transforming an image on a blueprint into a physical nameplate or label.
My college training prepared me well for interpreting and understanding blueprints, and now I apply that knowledge to our aerospace and automotive orders. And because every part is unique, it keeps me interested in what I do every day.
Supervisor and Operations Leader, Jose Morales, Jr., recognized Jackie’s talent and helped her continue to grow by providing additional training. Then in 2023, he promoted her to Pre-Press Department Lead. He says, “She is very successful in that role with her quiet leadership style, integrity, and by focusing on one thing: ‘How can I make my team successful?”
Jackie recognizes that significant changes have occurred in manufacturing over the past decade. WNP has responded by adding new machines and adopting technology that allows us to ‘work smarter, not harder.’ The trick, she says, is to be willing to adapt:
There is always something new coming around the corner, and to keep up in this industry, you have to tackle it head-on!
What advice would Jackie give women who want to get into a career in manufacturing?
Be proactive. Learn everything you can. You will only get out of it what you put into it.
Jackie has certainly taken her own advice by working hard, being flexible, and recognizing the crucial role her department plays in the company’s success.
Jackie (left) joins her colleagues wearing pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness this month.