Employee Spotlight Blog: Anita Slaughter

Employees at APH share a passion and vision for a more accessible future! Anita Slaughter is the Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement Engineering where her attention to detail and strong leadership skills are put to great use. 

Anita knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in engineering, and she had an even greater desire to pursue a career that was directed toward creating new and innovative products for people with disabilities. When Anita heard about APH while looking for a co-op via the University of Louisville’s Speed School of Engineering, she thought it was the perfect opportunity. Anita joined APH in the Operations Engineering department in 2004 and has worked for APH ever since. 

Throughout her tenure here, Anita has been able to accomplish a lot. Not only was she able to complete her degree in engineering. but after her co-op, Anita worked in production as a researcher as well as on the engineering process. She has also worked as a model maker in the Model Shop and as a leadership member in production and production maintenance. Anita’s vast experience with APH products and on the production floor make her an invaluable member of the APH team! 

Anita’s day to day might not look as flashy to some, but she really enjoys her role and the Operations Engineering department. Anita gets to interact with so many different people in and outside of the company. She has conversations with customers about product quality, engineers about product development, and with production staff about product manufacturing. Anita likes to joke that her job is mostly filled with creating solutions, saying “I have a degree in problem solving!” Anita also has the privilege to help train the next generation of engineers. This, combined with her desire to be as helpful to others as possible, creates strong leadership skills that make Anita vital to not only her department, but to APH as a whole! 

There are many reasons Anita has been at APH for so many years, but the chief reason is because of the work APH does for those who are blind or low vision. Anita loves using her talents to make the world a more accessible place. APH’s mission and goals align with what gives Anita joy. “I have always wanted to work for a company that helps people,” she says.  

Anita is grateful for all of the wonderful people she gets to work with, both within her department and throughout the rest of APH. “Everyone here wants to be here,” she explains. APH is like family to Anita—especially considering her twin sister also works here! 

Outside of work, Anita likes to spend time in nature. She enjoys hiking, camping, and kayaking—really anything one can do outdoors. If there is a weekend she can’t get away, Anita will spend time playing casual video games with friends and family. She is also an avid reader of both science fiction novels and autobiographies and is always ready to chat about the most recent book she’s picked up. 

Anita’s heart and dedication to APH are contagious. Her energy, experience, and expertise are all instrumental to APH, and we are glad she is a part of our family!