Hear Her Story with Colette Gorham

When it comes to paving the way for women in the meat industry, few embody persistence quite like Colette Gorham. Her 35-year career journey began at Tyson Foods. While there, she held a variety of roles in human resources, all levels of plant operations, refrigeration and production before working in sanitation. She transitioned to PSSI/Fortrex nearly a decade ago, where she has continued to take on new levels of responsibility and leadership while navigating the setbacks and challenges that come with a traditionally male-dominated industry.

“The meat and sanitation industry are still very male-dominated, especially at the upper levels of management,” she explains. “There are considerably fewer female site managers, and even fewer women serving as area or division managers.”

But those odds didn’t stop her. After being passed over several times, she was promoted to Area Manager – her current position – after several attempts. Colette’s advice to others facing similar challenges? “You just have to keep pushing yourself to do better and prove your worth. Be persistent. Make a name for yourself.”

Her career path wasn’t without sacrifice. Like many women, she faced the tough decision of when and how to grow her career while balancing family obligations. “I chose not to really start my career until my children were grown and out of school,” she says. “That’s when I made the decision to join PSSI/Fortrex and take on more demanding roles.”

While she finds the meat industry culture to be both supportive and challenging, her experience within PSSI/Fortrex has been largely positive, especially when it comes to mentorship. Colette acknowledges the numerous division managers and vice presidents for helping to guide her along the way. One thing that stands out for her is the company’s emphasis on grooming the “next in” – intentional development of those in the workforce who are ready to take on the next challenge.

Colette recommends women considering or just starting in the meat industry be clear and relentless with what they want. For this, she suggests understanding your purpose, mapping out your process and focusing on the payoff. “Ask yourself – what’s my purpose for being in this industry? What will it take to reach my goals? And where will I be in 10 years as a result?”

Stories like Colette’s are important because they help demonstrate to others what’s possible, with persistence. “Sometimes a male-dominated field can be a challenge,” she says, “but if you keep pushing, learning and building relationships, the payoff is well worth it.”