Auburn alumna joins ICAMS’ Bird Inc. as presenter

Leigh Bramlett, chief executive officer of RFT, a plastics manufacturer in Huntsville, recently joined the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS) middle-school outreach program Bird Inc. as a new presenter. A 1996 Auburn University graduate, Bramlett brings nearly two decades of manufacturing experience and a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit to the role.

“I chose to accept the position with Bird Inc. because the idea of giving young people guidance and encouragement appeals greatly to me,” Bramlett said. “As a parent to three boys, I know the impact I had with them, and I look forward to encouraging other young people to give them the same confidence I worked to instill in my own children.”

Bramlett’s background in manufacturing has given her firsthand insight into the skills and determination needed to succeed in industry.

“From a very early age, I found myself to be a natural entrepreneur,” she said. “I was a very independent young person and was always finding ways to use my talents to support myself when my own parents were unable to assist me financially. Having been in the manufacturing industry for the last 19 years, I know the ins and outs of sales, marketing, budgeting, purchasing and even human resources. I believe my real-life experiences can be a model for young men and women who might one day decide to work in manufacturing.”

For Bramlett, the most rewarding part of presenting to students is witnessing their enthusiasm grow as they connect what they’ve learned to their own abilities.

“The thing that excites me the most when presenting Bird Inc. to the students is seeing their faces when they realize they have not only learned about manufacturing but also that they have the capabilities to solve problems and have positive outcomes,” she said. “I love the idea that I can be an example of what they can accomplish themselves.”

Bramlett’s passion for manufacturing began in childhood, inspired by watching her father at work.

“As a young child, I was fascinated by watching the machines my dad would work on,” she said. “Seeing the process of raw materials becoming finished goods amazed me, and I hope some of the students I will interact with will, at some point in their lives, see what I see and be inspired by it.”

Through Bird Inc., Bramlett hopes to share that same sense of curiosity, confidence and possibility with the next generation of future manufacturers.