This month, WICA is proud to spotlight Carly Erikson, a leader who is helping drive the future of canmaking through continuous improvement and a people-first mindset.

As of March 9, Carly stepped into her role as Regional Continuous Improvement Manager. In this position, she is helping lead the rollout of the Ardagh Metal Packaging System, a key initiative focused on building a strong, sustainable culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

For Carly, this work is about more than systems. It is about creating an environment where people can thrive, collaborate, and make a real impact.

Built on Team and Culture

Carly’s career brought her to canmaking through her background in operational excellence within the steel industry. When she connected with the Chicago plant, one thing stood out right away: the culture.

The sense of teamwork, support, and shared purpose made a lasting impression. It was clear this was a place where people show up for each other and work together to get the job done.

And in an industry like canmaking, that matters.

The work is demanding, and the pace is fast. But having a team that can tackle challenges together and still find moments to connect makes all the difference.

Making an Impact That Lasts

In her role, Carly has the opportunity to work across teams and functions, bringing people together to improve how work gets done.

While continuous improvement often focuses on production, her approach is broader. It is about building systems that support both performance and people.

That mindset helps create stronger teams, better processes, and more meaningful results across the board.

Owning Your Voice

Carly has also faced a challenge that many women in manufacturing know well: having her technical expertise underestimated.

At times, assumptions showed up in small ways, like being asked to take notes in meetings despite her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

She did not let that define her role.

By continuing to contribute, speak up, and stand behind her knowledge, she shifted the narrative and made sure her voice was heard.

Her experience is a reminder that your perspective has value and using your voice matters.

Shaping the Industry

The canmaking industry is evolving, and women are playing a key role in that progress.

“We are not fitting into manufacturing. We are shaping it.”

Women bring perspectives that make systems safer, more efficient, and more focused on people. That influence is helping define what the future of this industry looks like.

Growing Through Support

Carly credits much of her growth to the leaders and mentors who have supported her along the way.

One of those leaders, Sharon Sinclair, Director of Operational Systems Delivery, provided opportunities that helped Carley expand her skillset and step into new challenges with confidence.

She also recognizes that leadership is built every day, through conversations, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning.

The Power of WICA

For Carley, WICA represents more than a network. It is a space where women in canmaking come together to share ideas, support one another, and grow.

WICA reinforces a simple but powerful belief: our voices matter. And when we come together, we do more than support each other. We help shape the future of the industry.