Pregnant in the Plant: Navigating Safety, Policy & Career
Session Summary: Working in manufacturing and plant environments presents unique challenges during pregnancy, where safety protocols, physical demands, shift schedules, and plant culture intersect with deeply personal health decisions. Yet many women find themselves navigating these realities quietly, unsure of what accommodations they can request, how to advocate for themselves, or how pregnancy may impact perceptions of their commitment and career trajectory.
This candid panel session creates space for open conversation around safety considerations, legal protections, and practical workplace accommodations specific to industrial settings. Attendees will gain clarity on risk assessments, leave policies, and their rights under federal and state protections, while also learning strategies to address bias, manage difficult conversations, and maintain professional momentum. Participants will walk away with practical scripts for requesting accommodations, guidance on partnering with HR and leadership, and tools to proactively protect both their health and long-term career growth during pregnancy and beyond.
This Session is Sponsored By:
Speakers
Debora Costa
Moderator
Debora Costa, Global VP EHS Bakelite, is a senior leader with over two decades of experience in the specialty chemicals industry. She has developed a robust technical background in operations, supply chain management, and lean manufacturing, complemented by a deep commitment to safety and environmental culture.
Debora is passionate about leadership and people development, thriving on making positive changes in company safety culture. Currently, she serves as the Vice President of Global EHS at Bakelite, reporting directly to the CEO. In this role, she leads the Global EHS Center of Excellence, defining and implementing strategies to enhance the company’s safety culture across more than 20 production sites worldwide.
Prior to her current role, Debora served as the Manufacturing Director at the legacy Bakelite Company, overseeing operations for the South Europe Region. Her leadership was instrumental in improving the site’s financial performance through strategic restructuring and lean initiatives. She takes pride in fostering a strong safety culture, leading to over three years without recordable incidents.
Debora’s career began at Rohm and Haas, where she held several leadership roles, including Production Manager, Site Leader, and Operational Excellence.
She earned her master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, graduating cum laude from Politecnico di Milano.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Debora is also the proud mother of two grown children, aged 22 and 18.