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Growing the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders

Read Sarah’s journey through our three-year rotational program.

Image of Grace employee, Sarah Antico

At Grace, we are committed to growing the next generation of leaders through our Manufacturing Leadership Program (MLP). This immersive, three-year rotational program is designed to prepare recent college graduates for a leadership role at one of our U.S. plants.

Through hands-on training and guidance from mentors, participants gain experience across a wide variety of functions to enhance their skills and professional development.

Sarah Antico, one of 27 current participants, shares her journey and the impact the program has had on her career.  

Exploring New Roles

Sarah learned about the program while studying engineering at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She was looking for an opportunity to try different roles while developing her skills. “I really liked the idea of a rotational program where I could learn and go through training while exploring different manufacturing plants and areas of the country,” she recalls.

Sarah started her first rotation in the summer of 2022 in Pasadena, TX where she worked as a production engineer in Specialty Catalysts. Her second rotation brought her to Curtis Bay, MD in the Hydroprocessing plant as a production engineer. Now, in her third rotation, she works in the Center of Excellence in Columbia, MD as a manufacturing analyst.

“Being an MLP gives us the unique opportunity to pivot and step out of our comfort zones each year. In moving to new sites and roles, we develop as both engineers and leaders,” Sarah said. 

Each of my rotations has been vastly different and I’ve grown immensely, personally and professionally.

Guided by Mentors

For Sarah, one of the most valuable aspects of the program is the support she has received along the way. “The guidance I’ve received from mentors, leadership and fellow MLPs is incredible. There is truly a commitment to developing young talent within Grace, evident with both our internship program and MLP.”

She says the MLP participants are some of her closest friends and she still regularly talks to colleagues from each site where she has rotated. “When you take the leap of faith to move somewhere entirely new, you really do lean on your colleagues to support you.”

Looking Ahead

Sarah’s MLP experience will come to a close in the summer of 2025. While it will be a bittersweet moment, she is eager to apply for a full-time role at Grace. With three years of training and development almost complete, Sarah is confident and prepared to explore potential opportunities within the company.

“The program is a transformative experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had along the way” Sarah added.