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Joanne Sovereign began her career in chemical engineering with PPG in New Martinsville, W. Va., in 1992 after graduating from West Virginia University with a BS degree. She continued her education and earned an MBA from the same school. A promotion with PPG in 2001 brought her to Lake Charles, and she’s spent her workdays at the facility on Pete Manena Road ever since. Thrive recently caught up with Sovereign, and she shared her thoughts on why she became a chemical engineer, how she’s navigated a successful career in a male dominated workforce, and the upcoming acquisition of PPG Silicas by Poland-based company QEMETICA.
Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us about your childhood.
I was born in Illinois, but raised from age five in Erie, Pa. My mom had a career in human resources and my dad had a degree in economics and worked at a local industry. My sister and I were raised with the expectation that we would have good careers to ensure our financial independence. We played soccer as kids, were in the marching band in high school, and I was in the choir and vocal ensemble and performed in high school plays and musicals.
What sparked your interest in chemistry and led you to the field of chemical engineering and industry?
I was always interested in chemistry in school. My original plan was to get a chemistry degree and go to medical school. While in school I attended classes with chemical engineering students, so I learned more about chemical engineering from them. We didn’t have chemical plants in Erie so I didn’t really know what it was all about. I decided to switch my major to Chemical Engineering after learning more about the industry and the type of work that chemical engineers do in the plants.
You’ve spent most of your professional life in a single geographic location. Describe your career journey.
I chose PPG after interviewing with several large chemical companies my senior year. PPG offered me a job in operations at the PPG plant in New Martinsville, out in the unit working with the equipment and with the operators rather than in an office doing process simulations and design work. I enjoyed troubleshooting and making improvements to the process. During my time there they offered me an opportunity to go to the University of Tennessee to become a Six Sigma Black Belt. My philosophy has always been to accept any offer of training. I am always trying to learn new things. After a few years in West Virginia, I relocated to Lake Charles. I stayed with PPG in various roles of increasing responsibility until they sold the chemicals business, eventually ending up with Westlake Chemical. In 2023 I had the opportunity to go back to PPG as the plant manager of the silicas plant in Lake Charles.
What has been your experience being a woman in a man’s workplace world. What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
I’ve had some interesting challenges, for example, a plant production unit that did not have separate women’s restroom because it was built before women worked in production. However, the real challenges for me were to learn how to promote myself and my abilities as a valued employee and not as a woman out of place in a man’s industry. I had to put the work first and not shy away from challenges and opportunities to contribute to the organization.
What brings you job satisfaction?
I love my team. I get satisfaction from empowering them to come together to solve problems, to achieve our goals, and to make our workplace a great place. Not every day is perfect, but we spend a lot of time together and I want our team to feel like family and enjoy coming to work.
Considering this issue’s industry section theme, what actions has PPG taken to protect our natural resources?
We have dedicated personnel on site to ensure we comply with all environmental permits. PPG is very proactive on sustainability improvements, and they have set targets such as reducing water usage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing waste. Our plant is an active contributor to achieving these improvements, and we have teams working on projects toward these goals. Our values center not just around compliance with regulations but ensuring we do not harm the environment in which we all live.
Tell us about the agreement to sell the PPG Lake Charles facility to QEMETICA.
Currently PPG and QEMETICA are focused on completing the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2024. QEMETICA is making their first acquisition in the United States and expanding their value chain into silica products. The Lake Charles plant is the largest in the silicas business that QEMETICA is acquiring, and they are dedicated to ensuring the plant and business continues to be successful. This sale will also ensure that this plant continues to be a workplace providing quality jobs to the SWLA community.
What are your plans after the sale? Will you stay onsite with the new company?
I do plan to stay onsite with QEMETICA. They have exciting things planned for our site and our business and I intend to be a part of the good things to come.
Let’s switch gears. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
My husband Mike and I love to go camping with our two boxer dogs Dallas and Penny. We also enjoy traveling. This year we went to London, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland.
What are your top three bucket list items?
I would like to see the northern lights, preferably in Norway, which is where my grandmother’s family is from. I would also like to go to Greece someday. My No. 1 bucket list item is to remain healthy to have a nice long retirement when the time comes.
