Category Archives: Women’s History Month

Employee Spotlight: Meet Leslie LauBach

Every L&P employee has a story. After 13 years of being a stay-at-home-parent, Leslie LauBach transitioned back into the workforce by joining L&P as a Senior Communications Specialist. We invited Leslie to share about her experience.

Leslie LauBach

What did you do before becoming a stay-at-home parent?

When I graduated from college, I worked for a newspaper in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, as the Staff Writer and Designer for its weekly arts and entertainment magazine, The Weekender. It was a fun job, and I was able to interview a lot of celebrities and entertainers.

I later joined Mohegan’s Internal Communications and was on the opening team in HR that helped transition a defunct racetrack to a world-class gaming and hospitality destination. I loved meeting new people and helping shape the values and culture through communication and engagement.

I worked there for four years before I had my first child and decided to stay home full time.  

Tell us about becoming a stay-at-home-parent.

I always dreamed of being a mother but never dreamed of staying at home with my kids. I had a job as early as I could work, so the idea of not having one never really occurred. When I met my husband, he was in a place in his career where we could afford for me to stay home, and that was the first time both ideas became a reality. 

Leaving the workforce wasn’t easy, though. As much as I loved being a SAHM (stay-at-home mom), I wrestled with my identity. I tied so much of my value into my title and role outside of the home that, when I was home full time, I seemed to lose the idea of myself and my intrinsic value. It didn’t matter that I was keeping tiny humans alive and teaching them everything they would know.

It was a long process, but in retrospect, I realize my work at home is the most important work I’ll ever do. Raising them will always be the greatest privilege of my life.

What was it like to re-enter the workforce?

I recently re-entered the workforce because my children are now in school full-time, and I was eager to rediscover the passions that I had put on hold.

The most challenging part of re-entering the workforce was the actual act of getting back out there. The world has changed completely. Social media just begun when I left work; LinkedIn didn’t even exist when I left! There weren’t applicant tracking systems that read resumes. I didn’t know if I had any qualifications to do any job. It was daunting and full of self-doubt. I didn’t let that permeate, though, and kept plugging away.

My interview with L&P was the first time I truly felt confident about what I was doing. My talent advisor and my future team came to the interview believing in me. They were so kind and engaging. I left feeling excited about L&P’s culture, people, and what I could contribute. 

My decision to join L&P has been the easiest part of re-entering the workforce. It was clear from my first interview that I was joining a company that takes pride in its products and people. Also, L&P understands work-life balance and the flexibility remote work provides. If not for remote work, I’m not sure I would be able to work full time and be a mother. L&P has enabled me to be a great mom and contribute my time and skills to a job I love.

What makes you proud to be a woman in the workforce?

I am proud of the example I am setting for my children. Until recently, they’ve never known me as a professional in the workforce. They’ve only known me as their mom. They’ve watched me interview and transition to full-time work while balancing their needs and home life. I hope they realize that there are no limits to what they can be.

Employee Spotlight: Laiza Cardoso

During the month of March, we’re inviting women at L&P to share about work and what makes them proud to be women in the workforce.

We’d like to introduce you to Laiza Cardoso! Laiza recently joined L&P as a Plant Accountant for our branch in London, Ontario, Canada.

Tell us about work.

My day is full of numbers, spreadsheets, forecasts, and balancing accounts. I work with other departments and people from different branches to ensure our numbers are correct.

What I like most about work is that while I do my job and complete my activities, I can count on a team who is available to help one another.

What makes you proud to be a woman in the workforce?

I feel honored to be part of a great company. I believe that I have this opportunity, not only because I sought to study, work, and learn, but also as a result of the fight for equality.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

International Women’s Day represents the strength, beauty, and sensitivity of women who, from the beginning, have fought for their families and for their positions in society.

Employee Spotlight: Rajeswari Subramani

During the month of March, we’re inviting women at L&P to share about work and what makes them proud to be women in the workforce.

We’d like you to meet Rajeswari Subramani! Rajeswari joined L&P in 2008 and is currently a Human Resources Business Partner for our branch in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Tell us about work.

For me, a typical workday involves recruitment, managing staffing, attending management meetings, completing reports, and addressing compliance and employee concerns.

Fourteen years at L&P makes me feel at home, and engaging with employees for their professional and personal betterment is something I enjoy the most.

What makes you proud to be a woman in the workforce?

I am proud to work as the only female manager among nine male managers. I’m also proud of helping to maintain a safe workplace environment.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

Women should be embraced—day in and day out. However, in this fast-moving life, we don’t pay attention to our achievements or to other women’s achievements. It’s good to have a day to appreciate and celebrate women alongside other strong women.

Employee Spotlight: Beth Rocheleau

During the month of March, we’re inviting women at L&P to share about work and what makes them proud to be women in the workforce.

We’d like to introduce you to Beth Rocheleau! Beth has been with our team in Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada, for 24 years and has been a Manufacturing Engineer Manager for eight years.

Tell us about work.

I spend a lot of time in meetings where I work with cross-functional teams on future projects for my branch. I work with manufacturing engineers on daily production issues and getting equipment ready for new projects. I also work with equipment suppliers on obtaining new equipment for my branch.

What I enjoy most about my job is the team in the Manufacturing Engineering Department. They are a great group of people, and half of our department has worked at L&P for more than 10 years! Everyone respects one another, celebrates each other’s accomplishments, and volunteers to help one another when needed.

What makes you proud to be a woman in the workforce?

I have worked in the Manufacturing Engineering Department for more than 20 years and am proud of what we’ve accomplished. When we launched the first automation line 20 years ago, the equipment in the plant was very manual. Our team has introduced many new processes, technology, and types of equipment. Now, our branch has 15 automation lines, approximately 35 robots, and six laser welders.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

I am grateful to have had opportunities to enter any career. Previous generations did not have those options. When I was in high school, wondering what to take in university, I never considered engineering. When my guidance counselor suggested it, I had no idea what engineers did. The next generations of women are being exposed to engineering in grade school, which is wonderful.

“A Day to Inspire and Empower Women”

In honor of International Women’s Day, Sonia Smith, President of L&P Automotive, shares what this day means to her:

I wanted to share with you the significance of International Women’s Day for me, personally. As a woman, I have encountered numerous challenges and obstacles that women face in various aspects of life, including, but not limited to, gender discrimination in the workplace, unequal access to education and healthcare, and limited opportunities for advancement.

With that said, I have been so fortunate that here, in the Leggett family, I was given so many opportunities to advance my career, learn new skills and have exposure to different aspects of the business. Not only does it fill me with pride to be able to do what I enjoy so much, it drives the sense of responsibility that I feel to ensure that others get such opportunities so that they may thrive as I do.

International Women’s Day is an annual global event that is observed on March 8th to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It is also a day to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality and to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by women.

For me, this day holds a special meaning as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of women from diverse backgrounds, to celebrate their achievements and contributions, and to advocate for their rights and equal opportunities. It is a day to recognize the tireless efforts of women who have made significant strides towards gender equality and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.

International Women’s Day is not just a symbolic event, but a powerful platform for women to raise their voices and advocate for their rights. It is a day to inspire and empower women to overcome challenges, break stereotypes, and pursue their dreams.

International Women’s Day is an important occasion for me and for women around the world to celebrate, reflect, and take action towards achieving gender equality. I hope that we can all join hands to create a more inclusive and equitable world where women can thrive and reach their full potential.

Happy International Women’s Day!

March 8 is International Women’s Day — a day to recognize and honor the women around us.

We admire and appreciate all women who enrich Leggett & Platt through their hard work and leadership. And, for every employee who has served as a partner, ally, and advocate for gender equality, we are grateful for you.

For International Women’s Day, we invited a few of our employees to share what this day means to them. Watch the video below to see what they shared.

Honoring Women at L&P

For many countries, March and October are dedicated to honoring women by highlighting their contributions throughout history, amplifying their voices, and shining light on issues like gender equality. Despite facing inequality and discrimination, women continue to break barriers and drive positive change in our workplaces and communities. We are truly inspired by their determination and passion.

During this month, we want to honor women at L&P by sharing some of their stories, hosting events for our employees in partnership with our Women’s ERG, and offering a few resources.

About Our Women’s ERG

We are committed to creating a better workplace for everyone and fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity, and equity. Last year, we established a Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG).

Our Women’s ERG is dedicated to raising the visibility of women, celebrating their unique contributions and perspectives, fostering personal and professional development, broadening their support network, building allyship, and influencing positive change. This month, our Women’s ERG will host a keynote speaker and a panel discussion that will be open to all L&P employees.

Resources

If you’re looking for ways to honor and support women, check out the following resources:

  • From Where I Stand — Meet incredible women from around the world and learn how they’re making an impact in their communities.
  • UN Women — Stay up to date on international women’s issues.
  • International Women’s Day 2023 — March 8 is International Women’s Day, which shines light on women’s achievements and the drive for gender equality. Learn more about International Women’s Day and how you can participate.