Women in Operations: Meet Piper Stulley

Meet Piper Stulley, HSE Engineer at Ahlstrom’s Mount Holly Springs plant in Pennsylvania.  

Piper joined Ahlstrom in 2021, immediately after graduating from college. Taking the role meant more than beginning her career: it meant moving six hours away from the only town she had ever called home and starting a new chapter in a place where she did not know anyone. 

“It was scary and hard, but it was a real confidence booster,” said Piper. “I’m proud that I took that leap.” 

Making safety and environmental responsibility part of every day 

Piper’s work touches nearly every part of plant operations. Her main responsibilities include delivering safety training for new and current employees, overseeing environmental permitting and monitoring, and implementing and maintaining safety and environmental programs and initiatives.  

“Every day is different,” she says. “There’s always something to fix or improve. It keeps you on your toes.” 

That variety requires Piper to balance planned work with the unexpected challenges that arise in a busy operating environment. It also gives her the opportunity to keep learning, solve problems and work closely with colleagues across the site. 

Finding the confidence to speak up 

As a young woman and a naturally quiet person, Piper understands how intimidating it can feel to ask a question or offer a different perspective especially in a field where women have historically been underrepresented. 

Early in a career, she says, it can be easy to wonder whether others will question why you are in the room. Piper’s message is simple: trust that you have earned your place.  

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak up,” she says. “You know you’re qualified for the role you’re in.” 

Piper has found that colleagues are often eager to share their knowledge. Asking questions not only helps her learn; it can also open the door to better conversations and new ways of thinking. 

“Sometimes you bring up viewpoints others have not thought about,” she says. “That makes for good discussions.” 

Communication begins with listening 

For Piper, effective communication is one of the most important skills for anyone working in operations. But good communication is about more than sharing information or telling people what they want to hear. 

“Communication also involves listening and understanding,” she says. 

In an HSE role, that distinction matters. Listening helps Piper understand how work is being done, recognize concerns, and collaborate on practical improvements. It also helps build trust—an essential part of creating a workplace where people feel comfortable asking questions, raising issues and contributing ideas. 

Continuing to learn and grow 

Piper’s willingness to step outside her comfort zone has shaped both her personal and professional journey. Moving to Pennsylvania on her own gave her confidence that she could take on unfamiliar challenges. Today, she is continuing to think about what comes next. 

In the future, Piper plans to pursue a master’s degree in engineering management, with a focus on occupational safety and ergonomics. For now, she is sharing the stage with other exciting life milestones: she recently married, and she and her husband are buying a home. 

Piper’s journey is still beginning, but her experience offers an important reminder that growth often starts with taking a chance, asking a question or sharing an idea - even when doing so feels uncomfortable. 

Her advice to other women considering a career in manufacturing and operations is clear: be curious, trust your abilities and do not underestimate the value of your perspective.