WGBI Member Spotlight Series — Megan Zimmerman
Our next WGBI Member Spotlight shines on Megan Zimmerman, a Senior Marketing Copywriter at East Penn Manufacturing whose storyteller’s instinct and hard-won confidence have made her a compelling voice for the battery industry.
🚀 Career Journey: The Industry She Never Thought Would Be Her Path
Megan’s road to the battery industry started with a firm “no.” “If I’m being completely honest, I never thought I would end up in the battery industry. In fact, I was actively planning on never being in this industry,” she admits. With multiple generations of her family already at East Penn, she was determined to forge her own path elsewhere.
Life had other plans. After finishing college and a few semesters of grad school without a clear direction, she applied widely and East Penn called first. “When I first started, I approached the job as a temporary stop until something else came along,” she recalls. Then a role opened in Marketing. As a professional writing graduate, it was impossible to ignore. “I got the job, and after meeting the team, I knew I had found a career home.”
What has kept her there goes well beyond the work itself. “What has kept me at East Penn, and in this industry, is first and foremost the people. I work with an incredible team of very talented people who are not only good at their jobs but also great coworkers,” she says, crediting them for much of her growth. Her view of the industry itself has shifted too: “Prior to East Penn, I was someone who only thought about batteries when my car wouldn’t start. Now, I see how much our everyday lives are powered by the products our industry makes, and I’m proud to contribute.”
Looking back, Megan is glad her plans didn’t work out. “I am so glad I was wrong about never working at East Penn or in this industry. I would have missed out on a lot of rewarding work and remarkable people. I can only hope that never winning the lottery works out the same way.”
🔋 Industry Insights: A Marketer’s Eye for the Story Behind the Technology
Working in a traditionally male-dominated field has shaped how Megan shows up at the table. “I think being a woman in this industry has taught me to be comfortable bringing a different perspective to the table. I don’t think there’s one specific ‘woman’s perspective,’ because we all bring our own experiences and ways of thinking to our work,” she explains. Still, the environment has left its mark: “being in an industry that has traditionally been male dominated has made me more confident about asking questions, speaking up, and looking at things from a different angle.”
Her marketing background gives her a distinct lens in a highly technical industry. “Coming from a marketing background, I also tend to look at things through the lens of how we explain what we do and how we connect it back to people. Batteries are very technical products, but there’s a story behind them and a reason they matter,” she says. Whether it’s “keeping a truck on the road, providing backup power, or helping equipment stay productive,” she’s drawn to the connection between the product and the people who rely on it.
“I think that’s the perspective I bring, being curious, asking questions, and finding the story behind the technology so I can help others understand not just what we make, but why it matters.”
💮 WGBI Involvement: A Community for Continued Growth
Megan didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to join WGBI came along. “I was excited when East Penn gave me the opportunity to join WGBI. In a male-dominated industry, I am so glad to have a community of women to learn from and share with,” she says. The organization’s programming has already sparked connection with her colleagues: “The Energizing Conversations and WGBI Webinars have not only been interesting but have also sparked valuable conversations with my fellow female coworkers.”
Looking ahead, she sees WGBI as a steady source of momentum in her career. “As I continue to grow in my career, I am glad that I have WGBI as a resource and a community that encourages me to keep learning, step outside of my comfort zone, and connect with other women in the industry. I hope to continue building those relationships and bring what I learn back to my work and the women around me.”
✨ A Role Model Who Shaped Her Path
Asked about the person who has most influenced her career, Megan didn’t hesitate: Donna Snyder. “Working for Donna Snyder is something that has had a profound impact on my career and who I am as a person,” she says. What stood out most was Donna’s approach to leadership. “One of the many things I respect about her is that she never wanted to be the best woman for the job; she wanted to be the best person for the job. No matter how busy she was, she would take time to invest in each of us. She saw us as individuals, recognized our potential, and provided opportunities for us to grow.”
Megan is candid about the impact: “I would not be where I am if it weren’t for her. I’m thankful that I got to work at East Penn at the same time as her, but I’m glad she’s now enjoying a very well-deserved retirement.”
📖 Life Beyond Work
Away from the office, Megan is happiest with a book in hand. “I’m an avid reader and have become a familiar face at the local bookshop. Recently, I’ve been reading a lot of science fiction, but I also enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and biographies. My TBR list is super long, but I’m always open to recommendations!”
Time outdoors is just as restorative, especially with her dog by her side. “Spending time outdoors has always been revitalizing for me, especially if I am with my dog, Midge. She’s only 12 pounds, but she’s packed with a lot of spunk!”
Her commitment to mentorship extends well beyond East Penn. “I have also volunteered with middle schoolers and high schoolers at my church for over 16 years. That time of life can be so difficult to navigate, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside them, watch them grow, and support them through it.”
Megan Zimmerman’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, finding an unexpected career home, bringing a marketer’s eye to a technical industry, and keeping the people behind the products at the heart of her work.