Val Mosher
Senior Manager, Program Management
Univar Solutions
Val Mosher, Senior Manager of Program Management at Univar Solutions, has built a career defined by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to continuous learning. With over 20 years of experience in the chemical industry, Val’s journey is a testament to the value of embracing challenges, asking questions, and staying open to new opportunities. From her early days as a plant process engineer to leading programs and initiatives that empower others, Val’s story reflects a genuine passion for problem-solving, people, and the future of STEM.
From Plant Engineer to Program Leader: Val began her career as a plant process engineer, a role that provided a strong technical foundation and taught her to speak the language of customers and operations teams. Although she initially expected a more interactive environment, this early experience helped her quickly understand plant operations, problem-solving under pressure, and how to translate technical knowledge into business value.
After a brief departure from the chemical industry to work in dairy flavor ingredients, Val returned when Univar Solutions reached out, marking the beginning of a two-decade journey with the company. She’s held a range of roles, including commercial sales, project management, and now senior program management, consistently adding new tools to her professional toolbox.
A Lifelong Influence: The STEM Foundation at Home: Val credits much of her curiosity and love for problem-solving to her father, an electrician at Bristol Myers Squibb who worked on early technology projects in the 1970s. From a young age, she was encouraged to embrace challenges and ask questions, even learning to write binary code in second grade.
This early exposure to STEM shaped her academic and career path, fostering a mindset of curiosity and resilience. Watching her father return to college and graduate while she was in high school further reinforced the importance of lifelong learning and personal growth.
Building a Career Through Adaptability and Curiosity: Over 20 years at Univar Solutions, Val has embraced a wide range of roles across different functions. She believes the key to navigating a dynamic career is a willingness to ask questions, be open-minded, and remain humble.
Her advice for anyone moving between different positions is to be genuinely curious, build trust and credibility, and learn to connect the dots between projects, people, and business objectives. Being aware of the broader context beyond your immediate responsibilities is essential to making an impact.
Val was also one of the founding members of Univar Solutions Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN), launching this initiative before employee resource groups were commonplace. She’s passionate about volunteering, creating a culture of inclusivity, and building spaces where people feel supported to grow.
Championing STEM Education and Community Engagement: Val’s personal commitment to STEM education extends beyond the workplace. She’s an active supporter of You Be The Chemist, a program hosted by the Chemical Education Foundation that introduces middle school students to chemistry through quiz competitions and sustainability projects.
In addition to sponsoring local events, Val participates in our Univar Solutions Center Open House for the finalists, giving students a tangible connection to the science behind everyday products and industries. She believes in finding what interests each child and using that curiosity as an entry point to explore STEM topics.
Advice for Women in Chemicals: Val emphasizes the importance of asking questions, staying humble, and remaining honest. Her personal mottos, “No regrets” and “Keep on keeping on (KOKO)”, reflect a mindset built on resilience, growth, and making the most of every opportunity.
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