In this interview with Women in Chemicals, Tift Shepherd, senior HR executive and former CHRO, reflects on a career shaped by bold pivots, global experiences, and a deep commitment to people and collaboration. From her early legal career to moving abroad and ultimately transitioning into HR leadership, Tift shares how stepping outside her comfort zone strengthened her perspective, adaptability, and leadership style. She discusses the importance of curiosity, authenticity, intentional relationship‑building, and personal well‑being, emphasizing that meaningful impact and alignment with one’s values matter more than titles. The conversation offers thoughtful guidance for professionals navigating change in global, complex organizations.

In this Women in Chemicals Woman of the Week interview, Rose Harper, Senior Marketing Associate at Morgan Latif, shares her path into marketing, the lessons she learned from early autonomy in a startup environment, and the mentors who shaped her professional path. She also reflects on intentional growth – building confidence through small, consistent habits – and how community, purpose, and resilience have influenced the way she shows up in her work and life.

In this Women in Chemicals Woman of the Week Live interview, Eria Young, Supply Chain Manager at Koppers, shares her 10-year journey through operations, compliance, and leadership. From managing logistics and internal customer relationships to balancing career growth with caregiving, Eria offers a thoughtful perspective on values-driven leadership, community engagement, and resilience in the chemical industry.

Katie Hess is Executive Director at Women in Chemicals. Katie is a purpose-driven leader whose career journey blends entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and a deep commitment to community impact. What began as running her own business and supporting nonprofit events evolved organically into a calling to serve mission-driven organizations. Known for her authentic, people-first leadership style, Katie leads with humility, curiosity, and empathy—focusing on meaningful impact rather than titles or tradition. Her work reflects a belief that ethical leadership, strong relationships, and intentional growth are the foundation of lasting change.

Johnnjalyn Gilliam is Quality Director at Chemtrade. Johnnjalyn’s journey reflects a powerful evolution from scientist to global quality leader, shaped by more than two decades across semiconductors, aerospace, medical, and chemical industries. Beginning her career as a chemist, she discovered a passion for building systems that connect people, processes, and culture, ultimately redefining quality as a shared organizational responsibility.

Christine Mendoza-Frohn is EVP Sales EMEA and LATAM at Covestro. Her story is a powerful example of curiosity, courage, and cross‑functional versatility. With roots in Spain and Germany and training in both chemical engineering and marketing, she has navigated roles spanning chemistry, engineering, strategic marketing, product management, and supply chain.

Coralie Deglon is an FP&A Manager at Coalition Culture with a career shaped by curiosity, courage, and global experience. After leaving France at twenty-one without a fixed plan, she built a fifteen-plus-year career across four continents by bridging finance and operations, leading through influence, and helping teams find clarity through data. Her journey offers powerful lessons on leadership, confidence, and growth.

Elizabeth Kincheloe, Account Executive at Highway Transport, brings a thoughtful and resilient voice to the chemicals and logistics industry. Her career path is anything but traditional, as she has moved from nursing into logistics and ultimately into chemical bulk transportation. Through persistence, strong relationships, and a commitment to growth, Elizabeth has built a career grounded in adaptability while actively supporting women across the industry.

Els Duffhues is the Global Learning Director and Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer at ICL Group. Known for her quiet determination rather than seeking the spotlight, Els has built a career centered on making meaningful change, both for individuals and organizations. With an academic background spanning psychology, sociology, law, and economics, she brings a deeply human lens to leadership, learning, and inclusion, guided by a simple but powerful goal: to make the world better for everyone.

In this month’s Women in Chemicals member spotlight, we’re proud to feature Jessica Quearry, CFO of Suffolk Sales & Service Corporation and the Finance Chair for Women in Chemicals. Jessica’s path to leadership blends Big 4 experience, deep-rooted family legacy, and a people-first approach to navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her story reflects resilience, intentionality, and the power of leading with empathy.

Roseanna Bennett’s professional journey is one shaped by curiosity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to people. As the oldest of eight children growing up on a crop farm in rural Kansas, Roseanna learned early what it meant to be responsible, responsive, and deeply connected to the needs of others. Those foundational values carried her through a career that spans interior design, hospitality, and now chemical manufacturing, where she serves as a Business Manager at Harcros. Her path is anything but linear, yet every turn reveals her natural ability to lead, adapt, and support the people around her. Today, she is known for her grounded leadership style, her strength in navigating transitions, and her belief in building relationships that empower others to grow.

Julie Roberts’ career in the chemical industry is a story of adaptability, curiosity, and courage to evolve. With over two decades of experience in sales and distribution, she has built a career defined by transformation, both personal and professional. As Global Director of Supplier Growth at ChemPoint, Julie leads with a passion for innovation, mentorship, and intentional living that inspires everyone around her.