Seizing Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing
The Early Years
Although her journey didn’t start in additive, Cynthia Rogers became a trailblazer in AM, contributing her time, talents, and expertise to the additive and advanced manufacturing industry. Cynthia began her career in Canada as one of the top Advertising Agency Producers in the country, producing national TV commercials for clients such as Air Canada, Molson Breweries, McDonald’s, and General Mills. Even winning the prestigious Gold Bessie for Top Commercial of the Year. In 1998, Cynthia packed her bags and moved to the United States, taking her expertise (and accent, ‘eh’) along for the ride.
In 2011, after raising three young men and freelancing as a communications consultant, she founded a video production company in Youngstown, Ohio. Shortly after, in 2012, America Makes – The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute opened its doors just blocks away. Cynthia knocked on their door, thus embarking on the beginning of her additive manufacturing journey.
"There is an opportunity for everyone in AM – I’ve created an entirely new career for myself because of it, and I am forever thankful."
Entering Additive
With a camera as her trusty sidekick, she walked the floor of RAPID+tct 2013, talking with companies and learning about the different technologies. Since then, she’s attended 10 more RAPID+tct events and cultivated an exceptional niche in communication strategies tailored for the additive manufacturing sector. This encompassed pivotal collaborations not only with America Makes but with other AM companies, including ExOne, Optomec, and Humtown.
In 2019, Cynthia joined The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA), helping companies in 3D printing find their voice. As an integral part of TBGA, she demonstrates remarkable leadership, making connections and producing relevant and impactful content for various AM organizations.
“TBGA offers customers a unique combination of technical and creative support – this distinctive blend is like no other and is truly exceptional.”
Making Waves – The Next 10 Years
Today, Cynthia serves as Women in 3D Printing’s Northeast Ohio Chapter Co-Ambassador and is now an America Makes Ambassador! At this week’s America Makes MMX (Members Meeting Exchange), Cynthia was named into the 2023 Ambassador Program, marking the third TBGA ADDvisor® to be part of this prestigious group, along with Kevin Slattery (Class of 2020) and John Barnes (Class of 2019). This is a fitting accolade for Cynthia, Kevin, and John as it recognizes those who continually champion and demonstrate outstanding dedication to America Makes and its mission to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing.
Cynthia is proof that you don’t have to be an engineer or a materials scientist to make an impact in the additive industry. AM welcomes individuals from various backgrounds to shape its dynamic landscape. It takes a team. A team of technical and creative working together in synergy. It is a people industry. It is creative and inspiring. All you need is imagination and drive and you can be part of it!
Cynthia will be the first one to tell you; “Opportunity is everywhere. You just have to knock.”