Can a woman have it all? Well, Mariana’s story proves that yes, she can. From leading her team at work, pursuing higher education, to managing familial responsibilities at home, she wears multiple hats with efficiency.
Mariana joined the company in 2017 as a Mandarin Interpreter before transitioning to Technical Assistant in 2018. After three years in that role, she seized the opportunity to step into the challenging role of Production Planning and Inventory Control (PPIC) Coordinator at Asia Pacific Rayon (APR).
“It was quite a jump from my previous position, but I decided to take the leap,” she says, reflecting the determination that led her to complete the required tests and secure her current role in 2021.
Defying Stereotypes as an All-Women Team
In the PPIC department, Mariana leads a team of three members, all of whom are women, responsible to ensure the availability of raw materials to meet APR’s production demands. As the Coordinator, Mariana collaborates with diverse teams to align production schedules, inventory management, and customer satisfaction goals. Once a month, she also conducts field inspections at APR’s Central Store to verify stocks.
In summary, Mariana and her team play a crucial part in the uninterrupted flow of production process, prevention of costly delays, and APR’s overall productivity. “Is it easy? Of course not. Is it worth it? Absolutely,” Mariana says.
However, there is a stereotype surrounding all-women teams, as acknowledged by Mariana. “The popular opinion is all-women teams are prone to unnecessary drama and challenging to manage.”
Under Mariana’s leadership, this stereotype is proven wrong as she focuses on the strengths of each team member. “We are skilled professionals. Rather than being disheartened by stereotypes, we’d rather show our capability through results and consistency to grow.” Through that mindset, they have built a strong support system among themselves, which lays the foundation to tackle challenges and contribute to the company’s success.
Nurturing Growth and Support
The way Mariana instills a support system in her team mirrors one of APR’s core values: developing our people to grow with us. Just as Mariana supports APR’s growth, the company supports her personal development and professional advancement. When Mariana decided to pursue further studies, the company readily backed her decision by granting her a scholarship.
Now, Mariana is enrolled as a Chemical Engineering major at Widya Mandala Catholic University. “I believe this path will give me more credibility in my field, helping me acquire new skills while enhancing the existing ones.”
Juggling work and academic commitments, Mariana occasionally encounters self-doubt. “Can I manage it all? Will it be too much for me?” Yet, she does not waver, reassured by the combined support from her team, the company, and, more importantly, her family.
Amidst her packed schedule, Mariana cherishes moments with her husband. They find solace in shared activities like cooking and jogging around the Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) Complex in Kerinci. This is where thousands of APR’s employees work and live, forming a diverse society.
“My husband understands where I truly shine. He finds it charming when I’m focusing on my job or schoolwork,” she shares, highlighting the importance of mutual support in her marriage.
APR2030 for Gender Equality
In a world where a woman is often expected to give up one thing to achieve another, Mariana challenges that notion. Balancing career, academic pursuits, and personal fulfillment is a daunting task, but Mariana proves that with unwavering determination, anything is possible.
Mariana’s journey reflects our APR2030 commitment to champion gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace. We believe in and work towards a future where every employee, regardless of gender, can thrive and make their mark in the world.
