About Me: Marion Gilbert Wells
With more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, and talent optimization, I help leadership teams align their business objectives with their people strategies, ensuring that the right individuals are placed in the right roles to drive innovation, growth, and long-term success. As a Predictive Index (PI) Certified Talent Specialist and graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a BS in Metallurgical Engineering, I bring a unique combination of technical expertise and human capital strategy to organizations navigating an evolving workforce.
My Story
Pioneering Foundations
I was the first African American woman to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an achievement recognized with the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. I followed my degree with postgraduate research as a Northwestern University GEM Fellow, resulting in a U.S. Department of Energy patent for electric battery technology.
Deep Industrial & Commercial Roots
I spent nearly two decades with ArcelorMittal Steel (formerly Inland Steel) climbing the ranks from the midnight shift, supervising manufacturing units, to doing failure analysis in R&D and leading major automotive account management in Detroit.
Operational & Budget Command
As a corporate purchasing manager, I successfully
directed global supply logistics and managed technical
vehicle program budgets scaling up to $18 million.
Entrepreneurial Mastery
In 2012, I founded Human Asset Management,
leveraging continuous improvement methodologies to
build robust talent pipelines, restructure organizational
dynamics, and optimize growth strategies for small to
midsize manufacturers across the United States.
Recognition & Leadership
-
2022 Distinguished Achievement Award
-
SME Education Foundation
-
MoldMaking Technology Editorial Board
-
Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation
Industry Influence & Engagement
-
FABTECH 2025 speaker in session “F249: Scaling Manufacturing Technology with a Workforce-First Approach,” focusing on bridging the skills gap, addressing employee anxieties regarding AI and automation, and the critical link between technology adoption and workforce preparation.
-
Manufacturing Alliance Podcast & Destiny of Manufacturing Podcast discussing how to transform talent from an overhead expense into an appreciating asset.