Celebrating women across DeLaval

To mark the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the incredible women across our organisation. We also asked them to share what inspires them about working in the dairy industry.

Claudia Bodensteiner
Location: Germany
Job title: Team leader and dairy advisor

"I really love working with cows

Their calm nature, their character, and the trust that grows over time inspire me every day. It is this connection that drives me and makes my work more than just a job.

As a herd management team leader, I take on responsibility within our advisory team and work closely with farmers, especially when they are switching to new milking technologies. Supporting them through the transition, helping them overcome challenges, and continuing to accompany them as they develop their farms is an important part of my work. It is very important to me to help farms grow step by step, create a strong foundation for the future, and continuously optimise their operations.

Every farm is different. Every story is different.
And that is exactly what makes this work so meaningful to me.

To all women in agriculture: don’t hesitate to show yourselves, your work, and your passion for what you do. We belong here, and I’m proud to be part of this community.”

Pictured from left to right, members of the DeLaval Japan team: Orie Tomita, Hanna Takizawa and Hazuki Kubo.

Orie Tomita, Senior Business Controller: “I’ve been working in the dairy industry for five years now, and I really enjoy how closely my work is tied to what’s happening in the world.

Changes in feed prices, currency fluctuations, and shifts in consumer behaviour are reflected in our results almost immediately, and seeing that connection every day is highly motivating.”

Hanna Takizawa, Customer Service Representative: “I place great value on milk, dairy products and animals, and I believe that applying my skills in an environment connected to what I truly appreciate is the most meaningful way to contribute professionally.”

Hazuki Kubo, Project Design & Planning Specialist: “When I was in elementary school, I wanted to become a dairy farmer, but after many twists and turns, I eventually came to work in cowshed planning. Although my involvement is different from what I once envisioned, I am proud to contribute to creating cowsheds where both cows and people can live comfortably.”

Lovisa Werner
Location: Sweden
Job title: Research and DesignOps Manager

“To see the world through the lens of others is a key part of my daily work — and not just humans, but cows as well. For me, the very best part of my work is being out on farms and seeing how everything DeLaval works for comes together. It’s all about supporting farmers in putting quality food on our tables, and DeLaval has been doing that through innovation driven by animal welfare, technology and sustainability for over 140 years. I’m happy to play my part in this continuous evolution and to work in such an inspiring field.”

Susanna Berg
Location: Sweden
Job title: Sales Manager Advisory

“Being able to support farmers in their daily challenges and contribute to smarter, more sustainable dairy production is something I truly find meaningful.”

Mana Motoki 
Location: Japan
Job title: Farm Advisory

“I love cows, and I have worked not only on dairy farms in Japan but also on a dairy farm in Australia during my working holiday.

I find dairy farming to be a deep and rewarding field, where the health and daily care of cows accumulate to create meaningful results.

I feel a strong sense of fulfilment when I can discuss challenges directly with farmers on site and help bring improvements to life.

One of the most appealing aspects of working at DeLaval is the opportunity to grow together with the people involved in dairy farming.”

Ximena Alcaraz‑Clavijo, Nicky Tsai and Josie Burbrink
Location: USA
Team: DeLaval Dairy Service (DDS) – Advisory & Precision Animal Management (DDS‑SRT and DDS‑IN)
Job title: Herd Management Specialists, DDS

"Why we love working in the dairy industry. It’s incredibly rewarding to bridge the gap between data insights, advanced equipment and the everyday needs of farmers.”

Paulina King
Location: Poland
Job title: Product Owner, Milking Clusters and Teat Spray Solutions

“I love working in the dairy industry for the great balance between office work, travel and being outdoors with animals, helping farmers produce nutritious food and contributing to sustainability, food safety and milk quality.”

Ayaka Saito
Location: Japan
Job title: Marketing and Communication Coordinator

“Since we work for a company that supports the supply of food essential to people’s lives, I believe it is meaningful to contribute to that process, even indirectly.”

Sandra Gransten
Location: Sweden
Job title: Training Manager, Market Area Northern Europe 

“I work as a training manager, where I have the rewarding role of supporting our people and helping them grow in their roles. What truly makes working in the dairy industry special for me is our company’s dedication to animal welfare and sustainable food production. Knowing that our efforts contribute to a healthier planet and more responsible food sourcing is incredibly motivating. It’s a privilege to be part of something that has such a positive impact, both locally and globally.”

Monica Montalbano
Location: USA
Job title: Application Specialist within the PMD MQAH team

“I love working in the dairy industry because I get to work with global teams, see our products being used on farms, and contribute to a shared goal of feeding the world.”

Kim Smith
Location: USA
Job title: Manager of Finance, Tax & Treasury. Responsible for tax and all related compliance activities in North America.

“The connection with animals, the opportunity to produce nutritious food for the community, and the chance to work in a company environment that feels like family. It is a passion‑driven career with exceptionally dedicated people and a strong sense of fulfilment.”

Pictured from left to right: Rena He, OHS Manager Asia Pacific, Wing Liu, HR Manager East Asia, Shaohui Qi, Business Controller Asia Pacific, Joyce Huang, Customer Service Manager MA China, Tina Fu, Senior Farm Advisor MA China, and Maggie Fan, Key Account Manager MA China. 

"This year, DeLaval China’s International Women’s Day campaign is built around the theme ‘Give to Gain.' The campaign aims to encourage a mindset of generosity and collaboration across the organisation, while taking action to embody the true meaning of giving — recognising that every act of care is a tribute to the value of women.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of why we are proud to work at DeLaval and within the dairy industry.”

Courtney Claypool
Location: USA
Job title: Farm Performance Manager, North America

“I’m the manager of the DeLaval Farm Performance team — currently the first all‑female, field‑based support team in North America. We haven’t always been all women, but as of this month, we are.”

Members of the team (pictured below):
Jenna Jongenotter, Lindsey Schilling, Michele Berg, Caroline Jovanovic, Samantha Piersma and Sarah Johnson.

• Are you interested in also joining DeLaval? You can see our current openings here: Careers