Leading by Example: Boudreaux and Cartwright Honored for Breaking the Mold

Behind every successful organization are people whose leadership extends well beyond their job titles. They step up as innovators, problem solvers, mentors, team builders – inspiring those around them.

AmSty's Anne Boudreaux and Paula Cartwright exemplify these qualities and more.

Both have been recognized as 2026 Women Breaking the Mold award winners by Plastics News – a prestigious honor recognizing women who are helping shape the future of the plastics industry.

We're excited to celebrate these two extraordinary leaders. While their paths are different, their philosophies are aligned: great leadership isn't about individual achievement. It's about service to those around you.

Anne Boudreaux: Fostering Customer Relationships

For more than four decades in the plastics industry, Anne has brought her passion through the door each day – for her work, her colleagues and her valued customers.

As a chemical engineer entering the plastics industry when few women held technical or commercial leadership positions, she earned a reputation for combining deep industry knowledge with exceptional customer service.

She currently serves as Senior Account Executive at AmSty, managing strategic customer relationships across the Americas. Throughout her career, she has advanced strategic markets, partnered with some of the world's most recognized brands, and mentored countless young professionals along the way.

When asked about what has guided her success, she points to fostering customer relationships.

"The best advice I've ever received was to understand the customer's needs and find a winning solution," she said. "When you understand all aspects of the customer's business, finding a meaningful solution for their needs creates value for everyone."

Anne credits much of her career to mentors who encouraged her to broaden her technical expertise and learn every aspect of the business. These are lessons she now passes on to others.

Today, Anne continues to invest in the future of the industry by mentoring young professionals and supporting women pursuing engineering careers, including providing a scholarship for young women following similar paths.

Anne's advice for other women starting in the plastics industry?

"There are so many areas of employment and opportunities to find careers that fit capabilities, broaden their knowledge base and allow opportunities to learn from countless people," she said. "Try new things, listen to as many experts as you can, understand the processes that they employ, 'get your hands dirty' to learn your job and to seek out cross-training experiences."

Read Anne's full Women Breaking the Mold profile from Plastics News here.

Paula Cartwright: Building Teams That Thrive

For Paula, leadership begins with creating an environment where people feel valued and empowered to succeed.

As Lab Supervisor and Quality Coordinator at AmSty's St. James, Louisiana, facility, she leads laboratory operations responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of styrene while fostering a workplace built on trust, accountability and respect.

"Building a resilient, talented team – and empowering them is my greatest professional achievement," she said. "I treat my team members like the skilled professionals they are and want them to know they are an important part of the company – that they belong. My team knows I have their backs – both as professionals and as people."

Her leadership philosophy is rooted in listening and empathy.

"People simply want to be heard and appreciated," said Paula. "This has served me well in my role at AmSty, helping build stronger connections with our staff."

How is she breaking the mold? By mastering her craft, working hard and earning trust and respect through consistency and results.

"I have shown that expertise and leadership are defined not by gender – but by performance, integrity and how you show up every day," she said.

As Paula reflects on her journey, she points to leaders who challenged her to continue her education and helped shape her people-first leadership style, which has become a hallmark of her own career.

For other women or someone starting the plastics industry, Paula advises staying true to yourself and always do the right thing.

"And as my dad told me when I was young, 'When you give your word, never go back on it. You won't be trusted again.'"

Read Paula's full Women Breaking the Mold profile from Plastics News here.