Dawn Putney, Featured Woman in 3D Printing

Dawn Putney, Featured Woman in 3D Printing

2023-06-07T10:10:45-06:00

Empowering women in technology

Dawn Putney is our fearless leader here at Toolbox — founding president, lead strategist and spiritual cheerleader. She’s also a tireless advocate for advancing women in technology careers. This month, Dawn was interviewed by Women in 3D Printing, an organization dedicated to promoting, supporting and inspiring women who use Additive Manufacturing technologies.

In her interview, Dawn describes her experience in the 3DP space and shares what inspired her to become a thought leader and agent for change.

“If you don’t see anyone who looks like you in the profession you want to pursue, it’s hard to see yourself succeeding,” she explains. “Much of what I’m seeing in the world of tech is organizations filled with men. That’s why I decided to spend as much of my time as possible supporting women in technology. I have learned firsthand that small changes make a big difference. Mentorship allows girls and young women to see successful female role models in STEM fields, as well as cultivate a sense of belonging for women in technology beyond the administrative and marketing roles they often fill.”

A winding path

Dawn considers herself a Minnesota country girl by nature, having grown up on the farmland her Irish ancestors homesteaded. She was active in 4H and FHA. Then she discovered graphic design in high school, and she knew she’d found her calling. Dawn’s first “real job” was as an advertising typesetter, where she developed a passion for big ideas, storytelling, the printed word and attention to detail. She went on to work at some of the most prestigious advertising and design firms in Minneapolis.

Dawn moved to Colorado in 1994 and instantly fell in love with its mountains and big blue skies. After many years pioneering beautiful design in Northern Colorado for other companies, Dawn co-founded Toolbox Creative, a branding and marketing firm that helps innovative additive manufacturing companies tell their unique stories.

An active advocate for women in technology both in and out of the office, Dawn sits on the board of Colorado C3E and Pretty Brainy, and volunteers her time and expertise with several other women-focused enterprises. She believes that supporting nonprofits focused on empowering women in technology helps build a future where women can more easily climb to the top of the business ladder.

Shining a light, leading the way

Dawn knows the future looks brighter and kinder when built by women. When 3D printing companies make gender inclusiveness part of their brand story, they not only build better brands and stronger companies, they disrupt the status quo and build a better world. That’s true innovation.

Dawn has a lot more to say about advancing girls and women in technology. She’s just getting started, and the rest of us on Team Toolbox are proud and inspired to be part of the journey.


About Toolbox Creative:

Toolbox Creative is a B2B Brand Engineering firm, helping the 3D Printing,  AgTech and CleanTech industries change the world. We distill complex technologies into powerful identity systems, websites and marketing tactics that align sales and marketing efforts, create lasting impact and build brand love.