Lauren Speaker
Principal Material Excellence Engineer
GE Appliances, a Haier Company
I am passionate about turning ideas into products that positively impact our daily lives. People are the best part of manufacturing – everyone from associates to managers, bring their talents together to create the next generation of appliances that enable happiness and well-being in every home!
During her seven years with GE Appliances (GEA) and through her roles of increasing scope and responsibility, Lauren has shown herself to be a dedicated and ingenious talent. As a Senior Lean Enterprise Specialist, Lauren helped GEA make huge strides toward major distribution and fulfillment goals. For example, her work defining strategy and implementing new deployment transportation methods has led to significant reduction in lead times and $20M in inventory reduction for the company.
In addition to working as an engineer and encouraging women and girls to consider similar careers, Lauren acts as a mentor to women both inside and outside the company. She is actively involved with inspiring organizations such as Women in Manufacturing (WiM) and Women in Operations (WiO). In one role as a WiO co-leader, Lauren organizes two interactive events each year for female participants from GEA, local high schools and colleges. She also serves as a Women’s Network MyConnections coach, in which she is currently mentoring thirteen women as they work toward their professional development goals. Additionally, Lauren volunteers with GEA organizations that support employees both personally and professionally, including the company’s LGBTQ affinity network, GEA Pride.
Lauren has made a deep, ongoing commitment to GEA’s involvement in the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. This initiative partners with fire departments, volunteers and community organizations to install smoke alarms in the homes of low-income individuals and families. For the past four years, Lauren has led pre-canvassing efforts to educate Louisville residents on fire safety, most recently serving as a team captain. Through her efforts and those of many other volunteers, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign canvassed thousands of Louisville-area homes and installed thousands of smoke alarms, saving the lives of at least nine people.