Whitesell enjoys entrepreneur culture in corporate environment

Stephanie Whitesell likes the corporate culture at her employer, polyolefin supplier Braskem. Although the company is the largest petrochemical company in Latin America, and a major player in global markets, it encourages staffers to act like entrepreneurs.

“Braskem has an entrepreneurial culture and encourages this type of thought and action. I find Braskem's entrepreneurial culture to be unique, refreshing, and empowering of its team members,” she said.

“In 2012, I was awarded the honor of being named the Marcus Hook site's Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2014, I became the site process engineering leader where I lead the process engineering team. The following year, in 2015, I became the operations manager/production superintendent for the site where I lead the Marcus Hook Operations team,” she said.

Age: 35.

Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering, Drexel University.

Tell us about your family. I have been married to my husband, Don, for nine years. We have two daughters, Addison and Ella, ages 5 and 2.

Greatest achievement? My greatest achievement, my passion and the hardest thing I have ever done are one are the same. My career aspirations along with my love of my children and family are a constant balance that I try to maintain and advance.

What emerging technology or market most interests you? I am interested in learning how product development and manufacturing will continue to grow and change in order to meet the goals of sustainability.

What is your current challenge at work? The challenge of managing the day-to-day priorities of plant operation with the preparation of upcoming projects, including a turnaround and debottleneck project, is something that we must focus on in order to ensure we are successful.

What about the plastics industry surprises you? How versatile the products are as well as the wide array of applications.

If you were CEO what would you do first? I would ensure the cohesion of the team in order to drive clear and united direction.

Who is your mentor, or someone you look up to? My mother has always supported me by doing everything she can to encourage me and provide me with the ability to be the best that I can be.

What job do you really want to have in the future? I would like to continue to grow and build upon my experiences in order to provide leadership to others.

What do you do to relax? I enjoy spending time with my family and visiting the Jersey Shore.

Read Editor Don Loepp's take on the Rising Stars of 2016 and find a link to other profiles.