In Frederick County, women are driving innovation, economic growth, and positive change in the manufacturing industry. Their leadership, entrepreneurship, skills, mentorship, and community involvement are instrumental in shaping the manufacturing landscape of the county. Let’s celebrate some of the remarkable women who are making things happen in the manufacturing industry!
Elizabeth (Liz) Sanchez Rasking works as a Strategic Business Manager for Phoenix Mecano, a manufacturing company that has been in Frederick County for over 40 years. They work to design and manufacture custom automation solutions for a wide variety of industries.
Liz’s role as the Strategic Business Manager allows her to act as a global brand ambassador and to drive business development in key target industries. Given her background in a variety of other industries, she also possesses the skills to establish and nurture customer partnerships, as well as collaborate and coordinate with international stakeholders on cross-continental projects.
After living abroad in Europe for 20 years, Liz decided to move her family to the United States in 2019. She was quickly recruited by Phoenix Mecano for her unique array of skills. She has experience in various engineering fields, international supply chain logistics, being an entrepreneur and gallerist, and most importantly, she has a true passion for what she does. “Innovation is driven by the need for change and growth,” she says. Liz recognizes the importance of what she does, and how it positively effects the American economy. Her passion for her work drives her desire to be a part of the manufacturing industry.
Many women face challenges in the technical fields, and manufacturing is no different. On top of facing challenges as a woman, Liz faces challenges as a Latina woman in a leadership position in the manufacturing industry. From being undermined to openly dismissed, she has faced her fair share of adversity over the years. Liz looks adversity in the face and defies it. She identifies who her allies are, retains her ambition, joins professional networks, attends summits and conferences, and tells her story. She is able to control her path and keep those close that will be her biggest supports in her career.
Her biggest advice to women is to network. Connect yourself with likeminded people and create a positive community of support. Don’t dwell on your mistakes, but use them as a learning opportunity to move forward and be better and stronger for next time. Don’t underestimate your value. Liz says, “I believe as women, we’re stronger together, and we need to intentionally reach out to amplify the talent and value of others.”
You can learn more about Frederick County manufacturer Phoenix Mecano at https://www.phoenixmecano.com/.