#PrintHERStoryMonth 2025: Meet Cindy Baron, Amidon Graphics

Cindy Baron Customer Service Amidon Graphics

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-baron-a78a5a6/

What does empowerment mean to you as a woman in printing?

To me, empowerment is a combination of internal drive and a supportive work culture. When a company fosters a culture of respect, learning from mistakes and hearing all voices – their employees will feel empowered. When I joined the workforce, it took me a bit to realize the industry was male dominated. While there were hurdles, I was lucky enough to find people that were supportive as I gained experience in the label industry (flexographic printing). As my skills grew, I gained confidence in myself, which empowered me to take on more and learn more. I built my career by asking questions and learning everything I could. I grew from an entry-level position in the mid 90’s to management around 2018. I have worked at a few shops in my 24 years in the industry, and the ratio of men to women is evening out as time passes. Each shop has had a slightly different culture, and it took me a bit to figure out what the best fit was for me. I am currently at a women-owned company which has a culture of support, empowerment, and caring.

Can you share a moment in your career when you felt truly empowered?

Right here. Right now. I work in a collaborative environment. The company I work for added flexographic printing over a year ago. I was hired for customer service with flexographic experience, but I still need to learn their existing offset business. I am happy to answer my colleagues’ questions and sit in on problem solving chats for the label side of the business. I am also happy they tolerate my questions on their roll-fed offset world.

What resources or programs have helped you grow in your career that you would recommend to young women?

We had a one-color Ryobi press in my high school, so my exposure to the print industry started my first year of high school. I took advantage of the opportunity my junior and senior year to take half day courses at Dakota County Technical College for graphic design. I finished with an AAS Degree in Graphic Design a year and a half after high school. My biggest recommendation is to ask questions. If you have an opportunity to gain experience in something new, do it. Spend time with people that are willing to share their knowledge with you. Network with others in the industry.