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At the Atlantic Packaging group of companies, Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate more than achievements. It is a time to recognize the journeys behind them. The challenges faced, the opportunities embraced, and the people who helped along the way have all shaped the leaders we see today. Across our regions in Ontario, Quebec, and the United States, the stories of Sarah Pugsley, Karine Sicard, and Cellynette (Celly) Quinones reflect what is possible when determination meets the right environment to grow.
Each journey is unique. Together, they tell a powerful story of resilience, confidence, and the impact of support.
Sarah Pugsley, Compliance Manager (Ontario, Atlantic Packaging Products): A Thoughtful Builder of Growth and Confidence
Sarah Pugsley approaches her career with reflection, curiosity, and quiet confidence. Rather than following a predefined path, she built her journey step by step by learning, adapting, and continuously pushing herself beyond her comfort zone. Her story began with a simple goal:
“I wanted to find my feet in something that I felt like I could grow in.”
Through hands-on training and exposure to multiple departments early in her career, Sarah developed a deep understanding of the business. These opportunities allowed her to move across roles, from customer service to planning, to continuous improvement, and ultimately into compliance leadership. But growth did not come from opportunity alone. It required courage.
“You have to put yourself out there or you will not be heard.”
Just as important was the support she received along the way. At Atlantic, mentorship was not formal. It was intentional, human, and impactful.
“They supported me without me even having to ask and that made all the difference.”
Today, Sarah carries that same mindset forward by supporting others, encouraging growth, and creating space for her team to step into their potential.
Karine Sicard, Corporate Quality and Environmental Director (Quebec, Mitchel Lincoln): A Fearless Leader Driving Change
Karine Sicard is a brave and determined leader who brings energy, conviction, and purpose to everything she does. With over 30 years of experience, her career has been shaped by resilience and a willingness to take risks in the packaging manufacturing industry. One of her most defining decisions came when she chose to step back in title to move forward in opportunity:
“Sometimes you step down to go forward and that is what I accepted.”
When she joined Mitchel Lincoln, part of the Atlantic packaging group of companies, her experience and leadership were quickly recognized. Within a short time, she stepped into a corporate role overseeing quality and environmental programs across multiple sites within Mitchel Lincoln, a leading corrugated packaging company in Quebec. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in equality and confidence:
“It is not about being a man or a woman. We are professionals working together toward the same goals.”
Karine’s work today aligns closely with the Atlantic’s commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. By integrating quality, food safety, and environmental responsibility, she continues to drive meaningful change across operations. At the core of her journey is a message she lives by:
“Never give up. Every difficulty brings an opportunity.”
Women’s day celebration at Ingersol, Ontario Division
Cellynette (Celly) Quinones, 3rd Shift Converting Supervisor (U.S., York Midwest): A Story of Determination and Rise
Cellynette Quinones embodies resilience, humility, and steady determination. Her journey is defined by hard work, continuous learning, and a commitment to growth. She began in an entry-level role on the production floor while also navigating the challenge of learning English at the same time.
“When I started, I was at zero, even learning English at the same time.”
Through persistence and dedication, she progressed step by step from machine operator to shift leader and now to Converting Supervisor, after gaining experience across different areas of corrugated box production and operations. Atlantic played a key role in that journey by providing hands-on training, exposure to various machines and roles, and opportunities for the packaging industry workforce to advance into leadership roles. But what defines Celly most is her mindset:
“Don’t give up when you are frustrated or intimidated. Believe in yourself.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that where you start does not define where you can go.
A Shared Story: The Power of “Give to Gain”
Across all three journeys, one theme stands out: growth is never achieved alone. Each of these women stepped beyond their comfort zones, embraced challenges as opportunities, and were supported by leaders and mentors along the way. At Atlantic, this culture of support fuels that progress through investment in employee development, opportunities for internal mobility, strong mentorship, and a workplace that encourages people to speak up and grow. This reflects the essence of this year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Give to Gain”—when we invest in others, we build stronger teams, develop future leaders, and create a more inclusive workplace.
