Meet Jennifer Hathcock, the Plant Manager at our factory in Batesburg, South Carolina, USA. Jennifer oversees operations at the factory, ensuring productive results and the safety of our Batesburg team.
This Women’s History Month, Jennifer shared insights on her approach to inclusivity and the role that male allies play in the journey to gender equity. We also gained an understanding of her career and how it was shaped.
Jennifer, what is your biggest career achievement so far?
My biggest career achievements have not only been securing the role of Plant Manager (or Director of Operations) for more than one Fortune 500 company but being able to use this position to identify and develop new leaders from otherwise overlooked or underrepresented populations. Raising individuals to team leader, supervisors, managers, trainers, etc., and seeing the long-term effects on not only their career but quality of life and outlook is an immeasurable achievement with generational effects.
Why do you think we should celebrate Women’s History Month?
It is important to celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day as many of us did not receive much exposure to the achievements of women throughout history in grade school. If we are to search our minds for great historical figures, most of the names and images that come to mind will be men. Not to say we should not respect and remember the accomplishments of men, but our level of exposure sometimes glosses over the achievements of women in many industries, from core science to agriculture and more. This celebration is an opportunity to balance our level of exposure.
How do you encourage inclusivity in your teams?
Inclusivity begins with a conversation. In the beginning, it may be uncomfortable, but through time and thoughtfulness, the perspective of others will begin to reshape your reality. A person will begin to see small differences in their world until one day these differences add up to a change in core beliefs. With my team, the dialogue is open. Within these conversations, we probe conventional thought processes, challenge our own ideas, and look for opportunities to do things differently.
Can you describe the importance of male allies in the journey to gender equity?
Male allies are extremely instrumental in the journey to gender equity. Not only can male allies help women navigate corporate terrains in heavily male-dominated industries, but they can also rally individuals for opportunities that they would normally not be otherwise considered. Male allies can be the disruptors to the growing gender equity in any organisation by first recognising when there is a lack of gender diversity and then establishing a path to inviting more women to “the table.”
Can you tell us about a female professional who has inspired you?
In my earlier career, I recognised I wanted to be a plant manager. After being denied this position, citing my gender as the primary reason, I transitioned to another company where the plant manager was, in fact, a female. I called her “the unicorn.” As my first exposure to a female plant manager, I found her to be very direct and transparent, but she also considered me as a whole person. She not only coached and reviewed my performance, but she also partnered with me to establish a career pathway that would lead to a plant manager position. I attribute her influence almost 10 years ago for much of my present successes and accomplishments.
Inspired by my story?
To find out more about careers at Hitachi Rail, please visit our careers pages.
