2020 Women in Print and Promo: Michelle Cousino, Kay Toledo Tag

MICHELLE COUSINO
Accounting/Human Resources
Kay Toledo Tag, a Div. of Ennis Inc., Toledo, Ohio

When asked to describe Michelle Cousino, her nominator used words like “precise,” “detailed,” “thorough” and “accurate.” “Michelle is a key employee here that does whatever is needed to ensure the company’s and employees’ HR-related and accounting tasks are completed,” he said of the 31-year industry veteran. “She comes in very early to meet, greet and help with the third shift when needed and stays late to [answer] all HR-related questions and [address] concerns.”

Cousino joined the Kay Toledo Tag team shortly after high school as a member of the shipping department. Just a few months later, the company’s billing clerk went out on maternity leave and Cousino took over the role. Throughout her established career, she has developed strong relationships with her peers, so in addition to overseeing the billing department, she now shares HR duties with the company’s general manager. She enjoys getting involved on the plant floor, helping to create a positive culture that employees can appreciate, and has no plans to stop.

What Brings Her Joy Professionally and Personally
Being in human resources gives me the opportunity to get to know my fellow coworkers on a more personal level rather than just another face at work. I also really like when, as a company, we are able to give back to the employees by having company-sponsored events, such as bowling tournaments, golf outings or lunchtime cookouts.

Her Proudest Career Achievement
You do not hear anymore too much of someone being with a company for over 30 years. I am proud of that and how I have evolved with the company.

On Working in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
When I started with Kay Toledo Tag, the company was run by four brothers. We now have two women in key positions leading the company. I see no difference from one industry to another–women need to work harder to prove themselves in any industry.

Her Job Advice to Women
I would tell them to actually do some research on the field. They would be surprised to find how many different types of print there are. It is interesting to learn all the processes that it takes to print an item.

Her Favorite Leader
There are so many to choose from, but the first person that comes to mind with our current situation would be Dr. Amy Acton. She is the director of the Ohio Department of Health. With all of the fear and confusion that is going on with COVID-19, she is calming and reassuring our state that we will get through this, [while updating us] on our current status.

Her Upcoming Goals
[I hope] to be able to get all our employees back to work and move past this time we are facing now.

How She Maintains a Work/Life Balance
There really is not a balance at this time. With all the unknowns that we are facing at this time, we all just need to keep moving forward with caution.

Read the complete Women in Print and Promo feature here.