PPC, Marie Rosado Discuss Women Shaping The Future Of Packaging For Marie Rosado, President of 3A Press, the hum of a printing press is 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
that will outlive us, something that creates opportunities for others, continues to inspire me every day. 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 leader- ship 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 en- trusted to you. 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. PPC: The packaging industry has historically been male-dominated. As a woman building a career and lead- ing in this space, what challenges did you face early on, and how did you navigate them? MR: The packaging and printing industry has tradition- ally been male-dominated, and early in my career, that re- ality 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 con- sistent in delivering results, respect would follow. Over time, I learned that leadership is less about proving your- self to others and more about trusting yourself enough to lead with clarity and conviction. When people see dedi- cation, persistence, and integrity, the conversation shifts from who you are to what you are capable of achieving. PPC: How would you describe your leadership style to- day, and what lessons from your career have influenced it most? MR: My leadership style is grounded in optimism, re- spect, and a deep sense of responsibility for the people entrusted to my care. Leadership is about creating an en- vironment 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 con- fidence and reinforces the culture we want to nurture. At the same time, not every moment is perfect. The challeng- ing moments are just as valuable because they give us the chance to pause, recalibrate, learn, and move forward with renewed clarity. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
of ink and paper in the air, and the pride that comes from pro- ducing something tangible that people rely on every day. But Rosado’s leadership story is not simply one of con- tinuity. It is also one of reinven- tion. In the mid-1990s, a moment that could have ended her ca- reer in packaging instead be- came the beginning of some-
Marie Rosado
thing 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. Today, nearly three decades later, Rosado stands among a growing group of women helping shape the fu- ture 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 rebuild- ing after adversity, and why supporting other women in packaging remains an important part of her work. PPC: Your career in packaging has included both re- warding 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 qual- ity, trust, and long-term relationships with our customers and our community. But beyond the business itself, what truly fuels my pas- sion 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 in- dustry forward. Knowing that we are building something
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March 30, 2026
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