We had the good fortune to catch up recently with women industry leaders who are part of the Ben Franklin Honor Society (BFHS), whose membership includes “individuals who have made significant contributions over an extended number of years to the advancement and betterment of the printing and graphic communications industry through meritorious service.”

Two well-known women in print, Molly Joss, owner of The Joss Group, and Vera Muzzillo, CEO at Proforma, were nominated by their peers to 2024 class of the prestigious industry honor society. Their formal induction was held in conjunction with PRINTING United Expo. Congratulations, Molly and Vera, and thank you for your contributions to the world of print!

To date, only 23 women have been inducted into BFHS, although of those three women – Daneise Archer, Laura Lawton, and Willy Wilkins – have served as society officers, leading some to consider BFHS an “old guard” vestige of a time when women were very few and far between in the industry.

However, as current BFHS member Elaine Scrima notes, “There is no new guard without an old guard. You have to understand and appreciate the journey to understand and appreciate the destination.”

“I don’t believe that women were less accepted in the old guard as much as the women have come to realize the opportunities in the industry that exist and are available to them, at all levels.  In order to maintain that momentum, we must continue to get involved and stay involved so that in 10 years this no longer a topic,” says Scrima.

Part of the BFHS mission is to serve as a “reservoir for past and present industry knowledge.” Thus, we asked a few female members of the honor society to take a moment to look back and think about what they wish they had learned earlier in their careers. Specifically, knowing what they know now, what would they tell their 30-year-old selves?

Below is compilation of their lessons offering inspiration, confidence-building, along with a reality gut-check or two.

Dear 30-Year-Old Self…

“I would tell my 30-year-old self to enjoy the journey. I spent a lot of time heads-down and focused on what I was doing—which isn’t a bad thing if you’re producing good work—but looking back, I only remember the working part. So, I’d tell myself to look up once in a while to enjoy the ride and the people I’m “traveling” with.  – Trish Witkowski, Foldfactory.com, 25 years in the printing industry

“I would tell my 30-year-old self to ask more questions versus making statements.   Rather than say “I don’t think that will work”, which puts people on the defensive, say “If we do that, what happens with this?” or “I am a little unclear.  Can you help me understand why you think that is the way to go?”  Lead people to the answer or conclusion you want them to reach by asking the right questions.  One of two things will happen.  You will have a better understanding of their thought process, and you may end up agreeing with them or they see the flaw in what they are proposing.  Either way it’s a win.” – Elaine Scrima, GSP Companies, 29 years in the printing industry

“What they can do, Jan, you can do it too with a whole lot of style. So, prove a girl can do what you set out to do. That actually was my mantra for many years—and I successfully did just that!!!!” – Jan Steiner, Thoro Packaging, 50+ years in the folding carton manufacturing industry

“There is no such thing as work-life balance – it’s a juggling act! Some days work takes center stage and other days family is the priority.” – Debbie Simpson

“Be strong mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually: you will need it to succeed. Speak up and out while commanding and giving respect. Embrace honesty as it really is the “best policy.” Focus on your goals and dreams: do not let them be deterred or deferred. Diversify yourself and don’t be afraid to try new things. Take risks, but make sure you are ready for the associated challenges. Most of all remember You can do it!” – Dr. Twyla J. Cummings, Associate Provost and Dean Emerita, The Graduate School. Rochester Institute of Technology

“In 1988, this 30-year-old self would draw more wisdom from the men surrounding me with encouragement to succeed and better decern those not… Also, buy more stock in Apple.” – Janet Green, Greens Printing 

“I would tell my 30-year-old self: ‘Believe in what you know, embrace change, learn a lot, and be kind to the people you work with. Every time you help someone, even in small ways, it can make a big difference, even if you don’t see it right away. The good choices you make and the friendships you build now will help you have a strong, happy life and career in the future.” – Sharon Eucce, Founder, Packaging Chic, LLC

“I would tell my 30-year-old self to stay the course, be brave, have a voice, and know that you are just as smart and fantastic as everyone else in the room. My mother was more traditional and did not have a professional career, but female friends, mentors, and my “just do it” roots in Portland often gave me the lift I needed to elevate my voice as a woman in the room. In hindsight, I would have taken more risks when I was younger… but I do now! I would like us all to be bold with the humility, grace, intelligence, and grit we know we have within. Believe in yourself! – Jules VanSant, Bubble & Hatch, Two Sides North America and Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation, 36 years in the print-industry

Thank you to the women of the BFHS for sharing your candor, wit, and wisdom with Women in Print Alliance!