• LG Energy Solution highlights the barrier-breaking women driving change in the manufacturing sector to commemorate International Women’s Day.

[Series 1: International Women’s Day Special – (1) Nadine Reyes]

International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 assigns the world a moment to honor the diverse, often-groundbreaking achievements of women to promote gender equality. This year’s theme of “Accelerate Action” highlights the importance of taking swift and decisive steps toward this goal, creating a world where growth, innovation and societal progress are maximized by utilizing everyone’s talents.

In line with this theme, LG Energy Solution is spotlighting two incredible women, Nadine Reyes and Lucja Calus, from its global workforce who excel in two different, yet equally important areas. Through their stories, the company aims to highlight the importance of leadership, challenges, and growth in the context of gender equality, while celebrating their impressive journeys and contributions.

As a Crew Leader of Quality, NadineReyes’s wealth of experience and insight epitomizes what it means to be a woman working in manufacturing and technology. With 20 years of experience in manufacturing industry, Nadine is a true expert in her field. Her career in the battery industry, along with her perspective on gender equality, opens a window to the endless possibilities that now lie for women in manufacturing and technology.

What makes Nadine’s journey even more remarkable is the fact that she’s a U.S. Navy veteran who has built a career grounded in discipline, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. She began her career in the battery sector as a Quality Inspector for LG Energy Solution, responsible for testing materials used in battery cell production—including the final visual inspection of completed cells.

It took just 16 months for Nadine to be promoted to Crew Leader (Senior Technician), later taking on a key role in PackQuality Assurance (Pack QA), overseeing the assembly of battery cells into modules and final battery packs. Today, Nadine leads the OQC (Outgoing Quality Control) and PQC (Process Quality Control) teams, ensuring that every battery cell meets the highest standards before being delivered to customers—both in-house and externally.

“I am truly committed to the quality of my work because, if not done right, a battery fire or malfunction could occur and cause harm,” she said. “With the safety of families my highest priority and considering the high price of new vehicles, I do everything I possibly can to ensure our high-quality standards are met.”

Nadine has never shied away from a challenge, and as a woman in manufacturing, she has faced her fair share. She candidly shared a few experiences, particularly from her early days in the field when leadership roles in manufacturing were predominantly held by men. Naturally, she encountered skepticism and pushback when she first stepped into a leadership position. However, with the support of a strong management team, she navigated those challenges swiftly. “To overcome it, I tried not to take anything personally and made it my goal to explain that we all played for the same team,” she reflected.

For young women considering a career in manufacturing and technology, Nadine’s advice is simple: “just go for it without hesitation.” With these two important industries constantly evolving, she strongly believes that women can grow and thrive alongside these advancements.

Looking ahead, Nadine envisions a future where more women step into leadership roles and make their voices heard in the manufacturing industry. “Society has changed, and women are increasingly valued for their hard work and dedication,” she said.

Getting to Know Nadine Reyes

Nadine Reyes is also a seasoned veteran of ESMI. Learn more about her crucial role at ESMI in her Q&A:

1. What are your main responsibilities as Crew Leader and what does a typical day look like for you?

As a Crew Leader in Quality, my primary role is to support and train my team to successfully complete a list of assigned tasks. I always remind my operators that their success or failure is a direct reflection of me, and we are not here to fail. My goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and grow within LG Energy Solution.

I take a hands-on approach to leadership, working alongside my team and handling any task they are given. I strongly believe that respect is earned through action, and by staying actively involved, I can better understand the challenges they face.

A typical day involves training, testing, mentoring and maintaining 5S standards – sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain. In the Quality department, we conduct numerous tests on battery cells, requiring us to create test plans, submit requests, monitor results, and report our findings to HQ. Maintaining 5S is critical to preventing contamination and ensuring the highest standards for our battery cells.

2. How has your experience as a military veteran shaped your approach to leadership and teamwork in the factory?

While some view my military background as a strength, others may find it challenging to adapt to. My time in the military instilled a strong sense of dedication, discipline, and attention to detail—qualities that were ingrained in us from boot camp and carried through our daily service. These traits have shaped the way I lead and collaborate with my team inside the factory.

3. What skills or values gained from the Navy do you apply in your current role?

Attention to detail is, without a doubt, the most applicable skill from my time in the Navy. As an Aviation Electrician’s Mate and Plane Captain working on SH-2HF helicopters, I was responsible for ensuring the aircraft was in perfect condition—people’s lives depended on it. From day one in boot camp, we were trained to strive for perfection in everything we do.

At LG Energy Solution Michigan, I apply the same principle to my work because our batteries power family vehicles. Ensuring the highest quality and safety standards isn’t just part of my job—it’s a responsibility I take very seriously.

4. Since veteran recruitment is a major initiative at ESMI, what do veterans bring to the manufacturing sector from your experience? Do you have a message for female veterans considering a career in manufacturing?

Veterans bring a deep sense of dedication to the manufacturing industry. We are disciplined, committed, and trained to perform under pressure—all qualities deemed invaluable in this field.

To my fellow women veterans: Always pursue what makes you happy and never let anyone talk you out of it. No matter the circumstances, never compromise your integrity. Manufacturing is an incredibly rewarding career, and I am proud to have chosen this path!

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