Stephanie Dycha's mother has been the human resources director of Fabrik Molded Plastics for nearly 30 years, so starting in the plastics industry "came natural" to her.
Her first industry job was an assistant in procurement for custom injection molder Fabrik. In 2002, she became a customer service representative at Chroma Corp. and officially began her career in color.
Dycha is now the senior manager of ColorWorks U.S. and Canada and oversees the Avient West Coast Design Center for the Color Additives and Inks business unit. She specializes in working with brand managers, utilizes innovative technology, applies extensive trend knowledge and strives to apply a circular design approach to a new level in the field of plastic products.
"Building a strategy for both the West Chicago ColorWorks location and the West Coast Design Center location is an exciting challenge that I am very much looking forward to," she said.
She was named an Avient Elevate Program nominee and Avient Mentor Program graduate in 2021 and an Avient Core Leadership Program graduate in 2022. She was awarded the You Make a Difference Award in 2021 and Spotlight Award in 2022 at Avient. In 2017, she was a Clariant Country Development Center nominee.
"Bringing to life the blend of design and technology to apply it to the plastics industry. To not be held back by our constraints and to innovate and bring to life the acceptance and understanding of circular design. What real sustainability is and how we can help our customers have crucial conversations to reach their goals," Dycha said, naming the molds she is breaking. "Living with agility and an open mind to let go of invisible boundaries that may be perceived as holding you back."
Q: What's an accomplishment of yours that most people don't know about, either for work or in your personal life?
Dycha: In 2021, I made the decision to go back to school to achieve my MBA. In doing so, I took a long look at our industry the way it is now as well as the future, and I wanted my degree to be the most beneficial to Avient and the industry. In doing so, I had the opportunity to propose a new concentration that was not currently offered by Loyola University Quinlan School of Business. I had to propose my plan to both the dean of the business school as well as the dean of Loyola's newest school, which is the School of Environmental Sustainability. I received approval from both for my MBA to be with a concentration in environmental sustainability assessment and planning.
Q: What is your greatest achievement?
Dycha: My family. I am extremely blessed with three beautiful children, Kaylee, Peyton and Riley, with my amazing husband, Tom. The love and support they have given me while constantly encouraging me to follow my ambitions and dreams is the groundwork for all my accomplishments. My goal is always to make them almost as proud as they make me.
Q: What job do you really want to have in the future?
Dycha: The vision for my future would be continuing my leadership journey and challenging myself with each new opportunity. Showing up and being better than the day before, not just myself but for my team and my company.