February 2026 Volume 8

OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

LEADERSHIP, LEARNING AND THE POWER OF SHOWING UP By Amber Bonacci

Power of Showing Up When Katie Six walked into Charter Steel in November of 2000, there were only seven people in a brand-new plant still finding its footing. Steel production was just beginning, and roles were being defined in real time. Because of her prior lab experience, she was placed in the lab on day one. More than two decades later, Katie is the Plant Manager of Charter Steel’s Cleveland, OH, rolling mill—but her story isn’t one of overnight success. It’s a story of persistence, curiosity, and a belief that simply showing up—day after day—can change the trajectory of a life.

“I’m Proud That I Keep Showing Up” In 2015, Katie became Production Manager at Charter Steel’s location in Fostoria, OH, four years later she was named Plant Manager. And now she’s the Plant Manager of Charter Steel’s Cleveland, OH, rolling mill, a position she’s held since 2025. When asked what she’s proud of, her answer is simple: “I’m proud that I keep showing up.” She’s quick to admit she doesn’t have all the answers. “I might not always make the right decisions,” she says. “But I keep showing up and trying to make things better for someone else.” That mindset—progress over perfection—has shaped her leadership and her life. Leading by Example—for Her Daughters and Others Katie is the mother of two daughters: Alexa (32) and Raelynn (29). Both pursued education and careers of their own— Alexa earned a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in marketing and procurement, while Raelynn became a dental hygienist after graduating from Owens Community College. Katie believes her daughters watched her perseverance closely. “They understood what it’s like to be a woman and the challenges you might face,” she says. “Education gives you an edge—but dedication, just showing up, that’s half the battle.” She taught them that success isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about caring, connecting, and taking one step forward every day.

A Nonlinear Path to Leadership After graduating high school, Katie attended college for two years before choosing a different path—starting a family and entering the workforce. She spent four years working in factories, gaining hands-on experience that would later become the foundation of her leadership style. Then, at Charter Steel, she spent one year in the lab and another as a bander. From there, she moved into annealing, where she spent eight years. It was during those annealing years—while raising two young daughters—that Katie began taking classes again, one at a time. “Trying to be a mom, trying to work, trying to do everything,” she recalls. “It was certainly a long journey.” Education as Opportunity Katie’s educational path was anything but traditional. Over 15 years, she pieced together coursework in elementary education, materials science, and business—always learning what the job in front of her required. Her persistence was driven in part by her mom, who worked incredibly hard at her factory job to pay for Katie’s first two years of post-secondary education. In 2010, she stepped into a Quality Control Supervisor role. A few years later, she returned to school with renewed focus, ultimately earning a degree in Applied Science from Owens Community College in 2015. Professionally, she also knew education mattered. Experience was critical, but on paper, education often opened doors. It gave her an edge—and confidence—that helped propel her forward.

Why Charter is Different Katie credits Charter Steel’s culture as a defining factor in her journey. “Charter is unique in the opportunities they give,” she says. At one point at the Fostoria location, more than 70% of the salaried staff started in entry-level roles. “The opportunities are there,” she explains. “But you have to own them.”

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