Rebecca Schilling has never been afraid to step outside her comfort zone. As O-I’s Global Director of Environmental Affairs, she leads environmental health and safety efforts across O-I’s network, working to minimize the industry’s environmental footprint in air, waste, and water.
This year, her dedication and leadership have earned her a place among the 2025 Women MAKE Awards Honorees, a prestigious recognition by the Manufacturing Institute that celebrates women driving innovation and change in manufacturing.
Rebecca’s Unconventional Path to Environmental Affairs
Rebecca’s journey into environmental affairs has been anything but conventional. She began her studies in political science at the University of Colorado, later attended law school, and then shifted her focus to environmental engineering and policy at the University of Denver.
Her career has spanned pharmaceuticals, explosives, and glass, giving her a unique blend of expertise that balances industrial progress with environmental responsibility. A defining moment in her career came when she took on a global assignment in rural India, where industrial operations directly impacted the environment and public health.
“It was an entirely new culture and a different way of working. They needed to make room for a women’s restroom at my office when I joined,” she recalls. “But I immersed myself in the community, listened, and found common ground. That experience shaped the way I lead today—by bringing people together to solve complex problems.”
Today, Rebecca applies those lessons globally, helping O-I drive sustainability, compliance, and operational efficiency across its operations.
Championing Women in Manufacturing
Rebecca is not only shaping the future of environmental sustainability—she is also helping redefine the role of women in manufacturing. She is a co-founder of O-I’s Global Women’s Engagement Network (GWEN), an employee resource group designed to connect, support, and mentor women at all levels of the company—from the factory floor to the executive suite.
“This network is about more than career growth—it’s about community, allyship, and empowerment,” she says. “The women at O-I are courageous and innovative. Their ideas are helping redefine what leadership looks like in manufacturing.”
Her advocacy extends well beyond O-I. She is a strong believer in mentorship and sponsorship as critical drivers of success for women in male-dominated industries.
“Many of the biggest career decisions for women are made in rooms we’re not in,” she says. “That’s why we need advocates, sponsors —people who champion our work and potential, ensuring women’s voices are heard in leadership, sustainability, and manufacturing.”
She also sees women as a powerful force for innovation in manufacturing and environmental responsibility.
“Women bring fresh perspectives that push industries forward,” she explains. “When we open the door for more diverse voices in leadership, we create stronger, more sustainable businesses.”
Honored by the Manufacturing Institute
On April 24, 2025, Rebecca will be honored at the Women MAKE Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., alongside fellow influential women in manufacturing. For her, this recognition is not just about personal achievement—it’s about paving the way for others.
“I want women to see what’s possible,” she says. “The more we step into leadership roles in manufacturing, the more we open doors for the next generation. That’s how real change happens.”
As she continues to lead environmental health and safety efforts, mentor future leaders, and champion diversity in manufacturing, Rebecca Schilling is proving that leadership isn’t just about expertise—it’s about impact, empowerment, and creating a more sustainable future for all.
