Meet Sydnie Shepland, a Rising Star in the Women in Print community. Sydnie is an Advertising and Digital Marketing Lead at Durst Image Technology, U.S. LLC and has been with the company for over five years. She has a degree in Environmental Science from Fredonia and supports the printing industry’s efforts to create more sustainable practices. Thank you, Sydnie, for sharing your career development journey with the Women in Print Alliance community!

Do you know (or are you) a woman in the printing industry who is a Leader, an Educator, an Innovator, or a Rising Star that should be featured on our website and in our newsletter? If so, please contact us. We’d love to meet her!

How and when did you enter or become associated with the printing industry? What was your “Aha!” moment when you knew print was the right field for you?

My arrival into the printing industry was actually a pleasant surprise. At my prior job, I worked closely with a woman who had come from the print industry, and when she left that role to return to the print industry, she brought me with her. I now understand why she couldn’t stay away. The people I’ve had the opportunity to meet are authentic, energetic, and passionate. I very quickly realized that regardless of the role you were in, “print” has the best people and they were (and continue to be) my “aha!” moments.

Did your educational or technical background prepare you for a career in print? Or were you planning to do something else?

I would love to say I came into the industry intentionally, prepared with the most relevant business skills, but I actually have a degree in Environmental Science. I’ve always been passionate about the planet and the opportunities we have to improve the world we live in. While I am not in that field now, there is a piece of me that rests easy with the growing push for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the print industry. It makes me proud to say we are doing our part and focusing on new technological advancements with the planet in mind.

What print career accomplishment are you most proud of to date? What is a print career achievement you aspire to in the future?

I started my print career in the accounting department. As I became more integrated into the organization, a key member of leadership recognized my creativity and writing skills, and I started to get involved in some marketing activities. My proud print career accomplishment is that I am now a critical part of our Marketing Department. In the future, I aspire to continue to develop and expand my role to be as effective as possible, and perhaps even be a part of the sustainability efforts that mean so much to me.

Is there anyone in your life (male or female mentor or a group of people) who has shown you what a successful career path in print can look like? How important do you think female mentorship is in our industry?

Absolutely. I am blessed to be surrounded by SO many strong women in leadership roles here at Durst, and to have a CEO who is so focused on growth, development and opportunity for his employees. My greatest mentor has been Becky McConnell, our Marketing Manager. Her long list of accomplishments, wealth of industry knowledge, endless encouragement and unwavering support has been so inspiring and uplifting to me. Her mentorship has given me so much confidence in what I do, and all that I will accomplish in my career.

As a rising star and woman in the printing industry, what do you think the industry can do better to attract and advance more women like you?

I think the continued amplification of our voice, our presence and our success will continue to attract and advance more women in this industry. I had the privilege of attending the Women In Print Alliance luncheon this year at the PRINTING United Expo and walked away with an overwhelming sense of community and unity. Seeing and hearing of other women’s success and their shared optimism for the future of women ignited new passion and drive in me. The print industry is awesome, but the community within it to support future women is paramount to our continued growth.

Is there anything else about your career in print or your thoughts on attracting, retaining and advancing women in the printing industry that you’d like to share with us?

I think we’re off to a great start, but as is the case with most things, there is always room to improve. Working “norms” are changing, and as more industries offer flexible scheduling, along with more family-friendly benefits, the print industry should strive to keep up. Women are still the primary caregivers in today’s family dynamic, and giving them the opportunity to thrive in the workplace without sacrificing work-life balance will be crucial to attracting and retaining women. Once they are in the industry, educational and mentorship programs can continue to elevate and develop these women and the skills they bring. Women contributors are essential to any industry, and it is fantastic that there are already organizations within the print industry so focused on our advancement. It is my sincerest hope that our voices and continued efforts will benefit and support the future women of the print industry.