In a recent article featured on the Domtar Newsroom, Karen Roach, the general manager of the Grenada, Mississippi mill and chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee, shared her inspiring journey through the forest products industry.
With over 26 years of experience in various roles across the United States and Canada, Roach exemplifies the diverse skills and perspectives that strengthen Domtar as a company.
Roach's career began with a scholarship-funded paper science program at The State University of New York (SUNY), which set her on the path to earning a chemical engineering degree in 1998. She started as an entry-level engineer at Georgia-Pacific, where she gained valuable experience before the mill was acquired by Domtar. Her career trajectory included significant roles in logistics, supply chain management, and production planning, ultimately leading her to become mill manager at Grenada.
Leadership Development
Reflecting on her experiences, Roach credits early role models for shaping her leadership style. A female department manager served as an inspiration, demonstrating what was possible for women in engineering and manufacturing. Roach learned early on the importance of having a vision for the future and fostering connections with employees to create an open and supportive work environment.
"You have to create connections with your employees so that they aren’t intimidated by you but instead are comfortable coming to you when they need help," Roach noted in the article. This approach has helped her communicate long-term goals effectively, ensuring that everyone works towards common objectives.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As chair of Domtar's DE&I Committee, Roach is passionate about creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. She emphasizes that regardless of one's background, success should be based on merit. Her personal journey has fueled her commitment to highlight programs that support young people entering the industry.
Roach's advocacy for DE&I is particularly poignant given her own experiences navigating challenges in her career, including living with multiple sclerosis. She aims to ensure that all employees feel welcomed and supported within the workplace.
Recognition for DE&I Initiatives
Under Roach's leadership, Domtar has recently been recognized with the 2024 PROSPÈRE Diversity and Inclusion Employer Award from the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ). This accolade honors Domtar's successful foreign workers program, which has welcomed over 300 employees from various countries. The program focuses on helping these individuals integrate into their new communities while providing support for housing and language barriers.
Roach believes that change requires collective effort across all levels of an organization. "Our individual actions are important, but for change to really happen, we need a groundswell of support," she stated.
Karen Roach's journey from engineer to mill manager not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores Domtar's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As she continues to lead by example, Roach is paving the way for future generations in the forest products industry.
