Pilmico is proud to celebrate the spirit of Women’s Month by casting the spotlight on two inspiring women who help make a positive impact in the food and agribusiness industry.

From the farms to the laboratories to the offices, they have carved out their unique paths to a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This month, they shared their experiences and how they combined their interests with their chosen career.

然而，Kate的工作历程并非一帆风顺——平衡时间需求和优先次序让她学会了灵活和主动。她认为：要平衡这些需求，就必须认真确定优先次序、进行有效的时间管理以及与利益相关者进行清晰的沟通。这是她成功处理工作的关键所在。

Jessa Leigh Mordeno是Pilmico的高级质量保证（QA）分析师。 

Pursuing passion for Science and Technology

From an aspiring accountant to a metallurgical engineering student and ultimately a chemical engineer – through many career aspiration shifts of Jessa, she was dedicated to pursuing her passion for science and technology.

Initially, she was torn between a college degree in accounting and engineering, but her scholarship with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) steered her toward Chemical Engineering. Over time, Jessa discovered that this was the right path for her, and resonated with her aspirations more deeply. “It wasn’t until my second year of college that I envisioned myself as a Chemical Engineer, realizing the alignment between my academic pursuits and my future aspirations,” she recalled.

Jessa finds fulfillment in utilizing her engineering skills to make an impact on the world. She mentioned that one of her hardest challenges at work was transitioning to new equipment and technology.

“It demanded additional time and effort,” she shared, “but through collaboration, perseverance, and commitment to learning, we overcame the obstacle.” Today, she feels rewarded that the equipment still continues to fulfill its purpose effectively seven years later.

Aside from Pilmico’s engineers, our veterinarians also play a significant role in caring for our farms and upskilling livestock farmers nationwide.

A Female Vet in the Swine Industry

Dr. Michelle Guingon, also known as Doc Mich, chose a different path than her peers, who usually worked at companion animal clinics. Instead, Doc Mich entered the swine industry, where there are only a few female veterinarians because of the physically demanding nature of the job.

“Few people choose this path (in the swine industry), but I was drawn to the challenge, and it also provides me with an opportunity to meet different livestock farmers around the country,” she said. 

Doc Mich is not one to shy away from any challenges. As a Veterinary Services & Training Specialist, one of her responsibilities is to conduct workshops and seminars for livestock farmers.

Although public speaking was not her forte, she overcame this obstacle to deliver the message of Pilmico’s Diamond Program more effectively. 

Kate, Jessa, and Doc Mich are three women who found successful careers in STEM and are making positive contributions to the food and agribusiness industry. As more and more women break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields such as manufacturing and engineering, their achievements underscore the limitless potential of women in any profession.

This Women’s Month, Pilmico proudly acknowledges Kate, Jessa, Doc Mich, and other talented engineers and veterinarians, and celebrates their invaluable contributions and all women shaping the future of our organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pilmico’s broader message in highlighting these women during Women’s Month?
By spotlighting Kate, Jessa, and Doc Mich, Pilmico signals its recognition that STEM fields like engineering, quality assurance, and veterinary science have historically been male-dominated. Their stories are intended to inspire future women professionals in agribusiness and to reinforce the company’s commitment to building an inclusive workplace where women’s contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.

Who are the three women spotlighted in this article, and what roles do they hold at Pilmico?
Kate Ellano is a Continuous Improvement Engineer in the Quality, Safety, Health, Environment, and Process (QSHEP) department. Jessa Leigh Mordeno is a Senior Quality Assurance Analyst. Dr. Michelle Guingon, known as Doc Mich, is a Veterinary Services and Training Specialist in the swine division. All three have built careers in STEM roles within Pilmico’s food and agribusiness operations.

What career path led Jessa Leigh Mordeno to become a chemical engineer at Pilmico?
Jessa initially considered accounting before shifting to metallurgical engineering, eventually settling on chemical engineering through a DOST scholarship. She realized during her second year of college that the discipline aligned with her aspirations. Her toughest professional challenge was transitioning to new equipment and technology – overcome through teamwork, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Why is Doc Mich’s choice to work in the swine industry considered an unusual path for a female veterinarian?
Companion animal clinics are the more common career route for veterinarians, particularly women, due to the physical demands of livestock environments. Doc Mich deliberately chose the swine sector, drawn by the challenge and by the opportunity it offers to work with diverse livestock farmers across the country.

What key challenge has Kate Ellano faced as an engineer, and how has she managed it?
Kate’s main challenge has been balancing competing priorities and maintaining effective communication with multiple stakeholders simultaneously. She manages these demands through careful prioritization, proactive time management, and flexibility – skills she identifies as essential for anyone navigating a cross-functional engineering role.

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