Kaitlyn Ray
Business Director - Base Oils and Extracts
American Refining Group, Inc.
From humble beginnings to high-level leadership, Kaitlyn Ray’s journey is one of persistence, grit, and unapologetic ambition. As the Business Director of Base Oils and Extracts at American Refining Group, Inc., Kaitlyn has carved out a powerful presence in a male-dominated industry, proving that your background doesn't define your future, you do.
Kaitlyn opened up about the highs, lows, and pivotal moments of her professional path. What stood out most was her ability to embrace challenges as opportunities and the clarity with which she now advocates for mentorship, adaptability, and authentic leadership.
Turning Setbacks into Strategy: Kaitlyn taught herself to think strategically, to reassess her goals, and to make intentional moves that would support long-term success. She took jobs that paid the bills, learned how to navigate the working world, and stayed focused on the bigger picture. That detour ultimately shaped her work ethic, sharpened her problem-solving skills, and gave her a deeper appreciation for every opportunity that followed.
Earning a Seat at the Table: In a sector where women are still underrepresented, especially in sales and business leadership roles, Kaitlyn knew she’d have to work twice as hard to earn her place. “When you’re the only woman in the room, you feel like you have to be perfect,” she admitted, “but the truth is, showing up as yourself with integrity is what earns respect.” Early in her career, she committed to learning everything she could about her field. She asked questions, took notes, and showed up prepared, whether she was talking to a senior executive or a shop floor operator. Over time, that curiosity turned into confidence. And confidence turned into credibility. “I realized I didn’t have to know everything. I just had to be willing to learn, to speak up, and to show that I cared,” she said. That mindset helped her break through barriers and lead with authenticity.
Seeing Opportunity in Challenge: When asked about the evolving state of the chemical industry, Kaitlyn was quick to reframe common concerns as opportunities. Whether it’s the aging workforce, supply chain disruptions, or changing customer expectations, she sees these shifts as a call to action, not a reason for concern. “We’re at a turning point,” she said. “The knowledge gap in our industry isn’t a crisis, it’s a chance to build something stronger, to rethink how we train, mentor, and lead,” Kaitlyn emphasized that younger professionals shouldn’t shy away from these challenges. Instead, they should view them as a chance to make their mark and influence the future of the field.
The Power of Mentorship and Support: Mentorship has been a recurring theme in Kaitlyn’s story, and it’s something she now prioritizes in her own leadership approach. She talked about the professors, coworkers, and industry mentors who pushed her forward, offered guidance, and created space for her to grow. Now, she pays it forward by doing the same for others. “Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal,” she explained. “Sometimes it’s just checking in, listening, or telling someone, ‘Hey, you’ve got this.’” That simple encouragement, she believes, can make a lasting difference.
Advice for Women in Chemicals: Kaitlyn closed her session with words of encouragement for young women forging their paths. “Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready—because you might never feel that way,” she said. “You belong in every room you step into, and the industry needs your voice.” She reminded us that confidence isn’t about perfection, it’s about being brave enough to show up and try.
This episode was sponsored by:
