Jonesboro, Ark.– Hytrol’s Lisa Richardson, project engineer, is selected as a Spark! Star and to serve on the board of directors at the Museum of Discovery, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Spark! Stars are Arkansans who have had a successful career in fields that required the intensive study of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Stars continue to advance and promote The Museum of Discovery. When asked how she felt of the honor, Richardson said she felt honored but recognizes that she is a part of a bigger picture.
“I feel as if what I do for the museum and STEM is small in comparison to what is needed,” said Richardson.
Richardson is a part of the Girls In STEM program hosted by The Museum of Discovery. Girls In STEM is a weeklong program that girls ages 12 to 15 can participate in to learn more about job opportunities in Arkansas as it relates to STEM.
“Most girls don’t know how many opportunities are available in the STEM industries. We (women in STEM) must teach and lead them to a potential future in this field,” said Richardson.
The advice Richardson gives to the girls in the program and women going into the manufacturing industry is to make connections.
“Having a mentor is a huge part of being a woman in manufacturing. No matter what stage of life you are in, a mentor is always needed. With a mentor, you are encouraged continuously and taught new ideas. Through this program I get to pass that on to someone else and that is what I’m most proud of.”
As a member of the board of directors, Richardson will represent the museum in the Jonesboro area serving as a voice for regional programs, such as Girls in STEM.
“I am honored and feel that the mission of the museum aligns with Hytrol’s core value of serving our community. I get to represent two great and giving organizations,” said Richardson on being selected to serve on the board.
Family and community are a significant part of Hytrol’s values. The company wants all the employees to feel that everyone is a part of one team, a part of the Hytrol family.
“I love the team environment that Hytrol has and not only Hytrol but the manufacturing industry. Everything about manufacturing is about teamwork. Everyone must work together to make the final product.”
Richardson and fellow Spark! Stars will be honored at the Spark! fundraiser Nov. 5 at The Museum of Discovery and she will begin serving on the board January 2020 for a three-year position
About Hytrol:
Hytrol designs and manufactures advanced conveyor systems for its customers. For more than 70 years, Hytrol has focused on creating innovative, customized conveyor solutions that help companies achieve their goals. For more information, visit www.hytrol.com
About Museum of Discovery:
The Museum of Discovery is Arkansas’s premier science and technology center, and our mission to ignite and fuel a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and math through dynamic, interactive experiences. The museum is the oldest in the state of Arkansas, founded in 1927. It became the Museum of Discovery in 1998 when it moved to the River Market location. Thanks to a $9.2 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the museum debuted 90 new, interactive, hands-on exhibits in 2012.
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