Culture and heritage are passed down through the generations with stories and experiences, and every March, across the United States we honor those storytellers by celebrating Women’s History Month. A month rich in remembering the contributions and advancements that women have made throughout the years. While this nationally recognized tradition of celebrating women was established in 1987, our organization with over a 100-year history, has long been influenced by many remarkable women who have been instrumental in our successes.  

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is ‘Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories’, we want to spotlight a few women now, who tell the story of our cooperative and who are shaping it into the business it is today. Show your support for women, all March long and beyond, by learning about them and sharing their stories with your family and friends. 

Grace Williams, Quality Assurance Manager 

How long have you been with Maryland & Virginia? What roles have you held with us?  

 I’ve been with Maryland & Virginia for 22 years come mid-May. I started as a temporary contract worker, filling in as a receptionist. I was fortunate to be hired a few months later as a full-time Administrative Assistant. I subsequently found myself in roles in the Producer Payroll department as Settlement Assistant for four years, then to Lead Member Information Services Specialist for four years, as Quality Assurance Supervisor for 11 years, and then to Quality Assurance Manager where I am now. 

What piece of advice would you give to women in the dairy industry? 

The dairy industry is a remarkably busy industry to be in and the work never stops but we must remember we do need to stop and take a breather every now and then and to ask for help when it is needed.  I also strive to keep a proper work-life balance. It is a daily struggle but is important to prevent burnout, keep your sanity, and always put your best foot forward. It is especially important for women. We are constantly pulled in multiple directions, but if we do not take care of ourselves, we are no good at work or at home. 

Who is the most influential woman you know and why?  

My mother was the most influential woman in my life.  She taught me by example the values of hard work, perseverance, and to always do your best in everything you do no matter how big or small.  She also showed me unconditional love, how to give it, and how important faith and family are.  My mother also instilled in me the value of giving back to your community and that you can always help others in need, if not financially, you can be a significant help by giving your time.   

What career achievement are you most proud of?   

I was part of the implementation team for our relationship management system, Salesforce, that was put in place at the end of 2016. This new system helped improve the accessibility of information and functionality for our field representatives to better assist members. It also brought efficiencies to our staff in their service not only to members, but our customers.  Our use of this tool continues to grow and be improved upon. It is amazing how far we have come with our use of technology. I do not know how we managed before!   

 Why do we need more women in leadership? 

Women make up a good part of the workforce and so the leadership should reflect the same.  I am happy to see more women in leadership roles within our cooperative in recent years. 

 Kim Niino, Senior Director of Operations Improvement 

How long have you been with Maryland & Virginia? What roles have you held with us?  

I started at Maryland & Virginia on February 6th so I’m very new to this company. However, I have been working in the dairy industry for over 35 years. I started in the dairy industry with Carnation Dairy (now Nestle), as a management trainee learning every job in the plant. I learned to pasteurize milk, run fillers, and load trucks. I could not think of a better way to get acquainted with what I would be doing for years to come. After spending five years with Carnation/Nestle I had the opportunity to move back to the Pacific Northwest by taking a Quality Manager position with Darigold where I spent the next twenty-seven years. I eventually became the Plant Manager of their fluid milk facility that was starting to run caseless milk, identical to what is being made in our Landover facility. Just before joining Maryland & Virginia, I held the position of Sr. Director of Operations at Darigold where I oversaw four milk drying facilities. I will use what I have learned over the years to help make our cooperative more profitable. 

What piece of advice would you give to women in the dairy industry?  

Dairy is a male-dominated industry, but do not let that intimidate you. Remember, you are working with people and to treat others as you want to be treated. Most of my career has been working for a coop. Always keep the producers in mind when decisions are made that could impact their livelihood. They are the owners of the company, and we work for them. Working in operations in the dairy industry is tough work. Cows do not take time off from making milk, so neither do we. This demanding line of work is not for everyone, but working with the great people at Maryland & Virginia makes it worth it.  

Who is the most influential woman you know and why?  

I have been fortunate to have met several women who inspire me in a number of ways. I like to take bits and pieces of what I admire about these women and try to emulate these qualities.  I admire strong women who stand up for themselves in a manner that shows compassion and empathy. I admire smart but humble women. I admire women who are strong leaders who know when to step back and allow others to shine.   

What career achievement are you most proud of?   

The titles I’ve had do not define me. Yes, I’m proud of surviving and thriving in an industry considered tough and demanding. But what I’m most proud of in my career are the relationships I have made with the people I have worked with and those who have helped me throughout my career. Over the past six months, I relied on these relationships and friendships to get me to where I am today, and I could not be happier to have landed at MDVA. 

Why do we need more women in leadership?  

Women compliment an organization. When there is a healthy balance of both genders, who equally contribute towards a common goal, I have found it creates an environment where nothing is impossible. 

Lauren Schwartzbeck, Member Farmer 

 How long have you been with Maryland & Virginia? What roles have you held with us?  

Maryland & Virginia has been a part of my life since my childhood. My grandparents, Tom and Joanne Clowney from Lagging Stream Farm, were members since the late 80s. I then found myself marrying further into the Maryland & Virginia family as I married Austin Schwartzbeck of Peace & Plenty Farms, members since 1987.  My mother-in-law and husband take on the primary roles of attending Maryland Virginia meetings and my husband is on the leadership council.

What piece of advice would you give to women in the dairy industry? 

Women are playing a huge role in the dairy industry today and taking on many leadership roles. My biggest piece of advice is to find what you are good at and push yourself to be better. Sometimes you do not have to have the biggest role on the farm, and you can still be a huge asset to the operation. Besides many women taking hands-on roles on the farm, one of the toughest jobs is being a farmer’s wife. At times it is hard, but having patience with the long nights and early mornings is key and accepting that every day is not going to be perfect. I’ve learned that some of the best days are when you pack the kids up and go to the farm to help. Lastly, challenge yourself, no matter what role you have on the farm, and set achievable goals for your future. 

Who is the most influential woman you know and why?  

I have been extremely blessed to have many strong and empowering women in my life. I was raised by the most nurturing, kindhearted woman I know, my mom. In addition, my mother-in-law is one of the most hard-working women I know who would drop anything to help you in a time of need. But, when I think of someone who really is influential to me as a new mother, a farmer’s wife, and someone who loves cows, I have to say, Claire Burdette. Putting aside all the challenges she has gone through as a mother; she is the hardest-working woman I know. She is attentive to her work and efficient. She is an amazing mother to two respectful kids and makes the best fresh salsa! Claire strives to be better and doesn’t let setbacks stop her from achieving her goals. She puts the work in on the farm and never asks for credit. She can bottle a cow, feed the calves, and milk the herd before most women think of getting out of bed. As a new mother, she has taught me that you pack the kids up and do things you enjoy. Because of her, I have washed many heifers and fed many calves with the baby in the stroller. She pushes her daughters to be better and do better. There are not many women I know as strong as Claire and I admire that strength and hope to be half the mom, wife, and farmer she is. 

What career achievement are you most proud of?   

I have been an eighth-grade teacher for six years now and although I’m proud of many things in my teaching career, I would say I am most proud of becoming a mother. Although it is not how most people would answer this question, I feel it has been the hardest but most rewarding job I have ever done. It has challenged me to become stronger as a person, set aside things I am not in control of, and push myself to do better at the tasks life throws my way. It has changed my duties on the farm quite a bit and that was a big adjustment for me. In the end, I feel I am a stronger and more well-rounded woman because of it and am excited to immerse our children in the dairy industry. 

 Why do we need more women in leadership? 

 I think women offer a diverse perspective on roles in dairy operations. By including women in leadership roles, we are setting the stage for future female dairy enthusiasts.  

Anita Battle, Special Relief – Landover Plant 

How long have you been with Maryland & Virginia? What roles have you held with us?   

I just celebrated my one-year anniversary with MDVA. I am Special Relief at Landover – working the Fed Five (Federal Five) Machine for about 6 months now – it handles ½  gallons of milk, buttermilk, and chocolate milk. I also supported eggnog production during the holidays. I’ve done a lot of rotating in different areas of the plant (blow mold room, cooler room, debagging room), and now I’ve found my home. I love the Fed Five Machine; it is my baby.  

 What piece of advice would you give to women in the dairy industry? 

Women are hesitant to work in dairy, but it’s not as bad as you think. It’s really cool. Speaking of cool, MDVA provides you with all the supplies you need to keep you warm when working in the cooler area.  

Who is the most influential woman you know and why?   

My youngest daughter is very influential to me. She’s a go-getter, a people person, a hard worker, and free-spirited.  She is not afraid to step forward and try different things.  

What career achievement are you most proud of?   

Running the Fed Five Machine has been an achievement for me because many of my colleagues do not like the frustration that comes along with running this complex machine.  Specifically, I like the whole process of the Fed Five Machine as it puts on the label and caps the bottle. It is just a clever machine. Sometimes people say I run the machine better than anyone. That makes me feel good. I appreciate the props I get from my managers and fellow workers. 

Why do we need more women in leadership?  

A lot of men feel we can’t handle it and we can. Owning business, being a doctor, or even being a leader at a milk plant isn’t a role solely for a man. We need to step forward and show the world we can lead and be successful.