Women Shaping the Future of Packaging: A Conversation with Marie Rosado
Marie Rosado of 3A Press reflects on leadership, resilience, and why supporting the next generation of women in packaging matters.
The hum of a printing press has a way of staying with you.
For Marie Rosado, President of 3A Press, it’s a sound that has shaped her entire life. Long before she built a company of her own, she grew up surrounded by the rhythm of presses running, the scent of ink and paper in the air, and the pride that comes from producing something tangible that people rely on every day.
But Rosado’s leadership story is not simply one of continuity. It is also one of reinvention.
In the mid-1990s, a moment that could have ended her career in packaging instead became the beginning of something far greater. After being unexpectedly let go from the family business she had helped build, Rosado and her brother made a bold decision: they would start again from scratch.
That decision led to the founding of 3A Press in 1996, a company built not only on craftsmanship and customer relationships, but on a deeply personal philosophy of leadership rooted in resilience, respect, and long-term stewardship.
Today, nearly three decades later, Rosado stands among a growing group of women helping shape the future of the packaging industry. Across the sector, more women are stepping into leadership roles—bringing fresh perspectives, strengthening organizations, and helping guide the next generation of innovation and talent.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, PPC spoke with Marie Rosado about the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy, the lessons learned from rebuilding after adversity, and why supporting other women in packaging remains an important part of her work.
A Career Built in Ink
PPC: Your career in packaging has included both rewarding successes and difficult turning points. Looking back, what first drew you to the paperboard packaging industry, and what has kept you passionate about it over the years?
Marie Rosado (MR): I often say that it is ink, not blood, that runs through my veins. I was born into this industry. My family was involved in printing long before I founded 3A Press, so from a very young age, I was surrounded by the presses running, the smell of paper and ink, and the pride that comes from creating something tangible that serves people every day.
When my brother and I founded 3A Press in 1996, what began as a continuation of that legacy quickly became a mission of our own: to build a company grounded in quality, trust, and long-term relationships with our customers and our community.
But beyond the business itself, what truly fuels my passion is the legacy. I feel a deep responsibility to honor the generations that came before us while preparing the path for the next generation of leaders who will carry this industry forward. Knowing that we are building something that will outlive us, something that creates opportunities for others, continues to inspire me every day.
“Legacy is not just what you build—it’s the opportunities you create for the people who follow you.”
When a Setback Becomes the Beginning
PPC: You’ve spoken openly about being let go from your family business in the 1990s, a moment that marked a major turning point in your career. What did that moment teach you about leadership, resilience, and perspective?
MR: That moment was one of the most difficult turning points in my professional life. My brother and I were let go from the company that had once belonged to our father, and it happened without conversation or negotiation. At the time, it felt like the worst day of my life.
But with time and perspective, I came to realize that it was also one of the most defining moments of my leadership journey.
Experiencing that situation taught me a very important lesson about the kind of leader I never wanted to become. Leadership is not about authority or control—it is about responsibility. It is about caring for the people entrusted to you.
What felt like a setback quickly became an opportunity. Just one month later, my brother and I incorporated 3A Press. Nearly three decades later, as we approach our 30th anniversary, I can say with certainty that what I once thought was the worst day of my life has turned out to be one of the greatest blessings.
“Sometimes the moments that break us open are the same ones that push us to build something greater than we ever imagined.”
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
PPC: The packaging industry has historically been male-dominated. As a woman building a career and leading in this space, what challenges did you face early on, and how did you navigate them?
MR: The packaging and printing industry has traditionally been male-dominated, and early in my career, that reality was certainly present. However, I chose to approach it the same way I approach every other aspect of life—with confidence, commitment, and a deep belief in my own worth.
Rather than focusing on barriers, I focused on the work. I believed that if I remained persistent, prepared, and consistent in delivering results, respect would follow.
Over time, I learned that leadership is less about proving yourself to others and more about trusting yourself enough to lead with clarity and conviction.
When people see dedication, persistence, and integrity, the conversation shifts from who you are to what you are capable of achieving.
A Leadership Philosophy Shaped by Experience
Experiences like these helped shape Rosado’s leadership style over time—one grounded not only in performance, but in optimism, accountability, and respect for the people who make an organization successful.
PPC: How would you describe your leadership style today, and what lessons from your career have influenced it most?
MR: My leadership style is grounded in optimism, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility for the people entrusted to my care. Leadership is about creating an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
I also believe strongly in celebrating the wins, both big and small. Recognizing the team’s effort builds confidence and reinforces the culture we want to nurture.
At the same time, not every moment is perfect. The challenging moments are just as valuable because they give us the chance to pause, recalibrate, learn, and move forward with renewed clarity.
Success allows us to celebrate dedication. Setbacks allow us to grow. Leadership is about balancing both while encouraging people to believe in what they can achieve together.
The Strength of Family Businesses
PPC: Family-owned businesses play a major role in the folding carton industry. From your perspective, what makes family businesses unique?
MR: What makes family businesses unique is the culture they create. At their best, they foster an environment that feels like home, a place where people genuinely care for one another, while still meeting the highest standards required by our customers and industry.
In a family business, the work is never just about the present. There is a strong sense of stewardship. We carry the responsibility of honoring the generations that came before us while preparing the path for those who will follow.
Keeping a family business strong across generations requires intentional leadership. When you combine long-term vision with a culture rooted in respect, accountability, and care for people, you create a foundation that can endure for generations.
Supporting the Next Generation of Women Leaders
PPC: You’ve also been active in supporting and encouraging other women in the industry. Why is that important to you?
MR: Leadership carries a responsibility beyond our own success. It’s about helping others recognize their potential and encouraging them to step forward with confidence.
Supporting other women in our industry matters because representation matters. When women see other women leading and creating impact, it expands what we believe is possible.
Programs like PPC’s Women’s Leadership initiatives create opportunities for connection, mentorship, and shared learning. Our industry becomes stronger when diverse voices are part of the conversation and talented individuals feel supported as they grow into leadership roles.
“When one woman advances in leadership, she doesn’t move forward alone—she helps widen the path for others to follow.”
Advice for the Next Generation
PPC: What advice would you give to women just beginning their careers in the packaging industry?
MR: Be bold and trust yourself. Walk into every room knowing that your voice and perspective have value.
At the same time, commit yourself to continuous learning. Our industry is evolving quickly, driven by advancements in technology, automation, and sustainability. Staying curious will strengthen your expertise and help you contribute meaningfully to the industry’s future.
Most importantly, approach leadership as a way of life. Lead with integrity, respect, and a genuine commitment to the people around you. When you live leadership in the way you think, act, and serve others, you create the kind of impact that lasts far beyond any single role or title.
Continuing the Conversation
Stories like Rosado’s reflect a broader shift taking place across the packaging industry. As more women step into leadership roles, they are strengthening companies, expanding perspectives, and helping shape the future of the sector.
For Rosado, the mission remains simple: build something that lasts and create opportunities for others to do the same.
At PPC’s Spring Meeting in Louisville, that conversation will continue during the Women in Packaging (WIP) Council Session, where women leaders will gather to share experiences and strengthen connections.
Learn more about PPC’s WIP programming and get engaged here: https://paperbox.org/about/communities-of-interest/women-in-packaging-council/