MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
Angela Alston‑Jenkins
Jayesh Mehta
The people who work at MHI and its WERC division are the gears that keep the association moving. They ensure MHI continues to be a valuable association and resource for people involved in the industry and do so with wit, competence and a smile on their face. The goal of this column in MHI Solutions magazine is to give readers a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at MHI and “meet” the people who make it a successful hub for everyone involved in the material handling industry.
For this issue, Angela Alston‑Jenkins and Jayesh Mehta give us a peek into what they do, how they do it, what drives them and what makes them happy after a long, productive day at work.
Jayesh Mehta
Industry Group Manager
Why were you attracted to MHI and to this industry as a career choice?
Honestly, I stumbled into this industry in 2002, when I was hired by a member company. Once they involved me with MHI’s Industry Group and the Annual Conference, I saw the power that the members have as a group to help educate the market, and for a small‑ to medium‑sized company, this helps them focus their content to their products/solutions. After serving as a chair in one of the Industry Groups, I saw how much MHI can help their members and wanted to be a part of that.
What was your first impression of this industry, and has it changed since then?
My first impression of the industry was awe at the products and a bit. of feeling out of place. Since then, the industry has changed, with more women and minorities being included on all levels and position types. Now, it has changed to an appreciation of the products and solutions, and now belonging and acceptance.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your position at MHI?
For my position, the skill that helps me the most is my over 20 years of marketing experience, which helps me relate and empathize with the members looking for new ways of getting content out. The other skill is my ability to think outside the box. This has helped in networking for my groups, as well as with types of content.
What gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment (professionally) at the end of the day?
Besides checking off the box when something has been completed, it would be when I know at least one of the members has benefitted from something the Industry Group has done or from something I may have said or done.
Do you have any unique skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
I thought most did, but recently found out that some people were surprised to find out that I used to be a DJ based in Atlanta and was pretty successful until it became more of a job and not a love for music. Once that happened, I “retired,” but kept all my equipment and music.
If you could transport back in time, what would you tell your 15‑year‑old self?
I would tell myself to not move out of Spartan Village. 15‑year‑old me would not understand this, until he was 21. I will not go into details on what this means in print.
What is the last book you read?
The Dawn of Yangchen and The Affinities (I finished both around the same time, but I’m not sure which one was last).
What is your favorite sports team?
The Pittsburgh Steelers! The first football game that I was able to watch on TV was the 1980 Super Bowl, and I liked their colors. After that, they have become a pseudo‑obsession for me.
Angela Alston‑Jenkins
Membership Experience Manager
Why were you attracted to MHI and to this industry as a career choice?
My fascination with how things work and move began as a child, tinkering alongside my Dad. Throughout my career, this interest has only grown. The material handling industry captivates me because it’s an ever‑evolving puzzle of efficiency—from optimizing warehouses to implementing cutting‑edge robotics. Being part of an organization that tackles real‑world challenges, streamlines business operations and accelerates product delivery is incredibly rewarding. This isn’t just a job to me; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of operations and make a meaningful impact. That’s why I’m fully committed—this industry continually challenges and inspires me, allowing me to contribute to something truly significant.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your position at MHI?
My strongest assets are an understanding of our industry and a genuine passion for bringing people together. I thrive on offering memorable experiences for our members. It’s all about finding those ‘aha’ moments that truly resonate with our community. Building strong, meaningful relationships is what drives me—I’m committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. This approach not only enriches our community but also fuels innovation across the industry. Ultimately, my goal is to make MHI a place where every member feels inspired, connected and empowered to grow.
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in your role at MHI in the next year?
As the new membership experience manager, my mission this year is to build a rock‑solid foundation for our program while delivering immediate, tangible value to our members. A big part of this is creating a network of member ambassadors across different departments—from marketing to HR—to really amplify our reach and impact. Ultimately, my goal is to make our member benefits so valuable that they speak for themselves, setting us up for long‑term success and high member satisfaction. This year is all about laying the groundwork for a program our members won’t be able to do without!
What aspect of the industry is most intriguing to you?
As a self‑proclaimed material handling geek, I’m most intrigued by cutting‑edge technology and human expertise in our industry. What truly energizes me is facilitating connections with our industry professionals. My role in providing educational resources and guidance to help our members navigate this changing landscape is incredibly fulfilling. Ultimately, it’s this unique blend of technological advancement and collaborative problem‑solving that makes our industry so captivating and keeps me excited about the future of material handling.
If you could transport back in time, what would you tell your 15‑year‑old self?
Be patient and enjoy your youth. There will be plenty of time after college for adulting.
What is the last book you read?
I last read Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab. My strongest qualities of service and servant leadership shape how I interact with others and approach life. The qualities are fundamental to who I am, but they can sometimes overshadow the importance of self‑care. This book presented crucial areas in both my professional and personal life, teaching me how to set healthy boundaries and manage expectations while staying true to my service‑oriented nature.
What is your favorite sports team?
My son has been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan for as long as I can remember. That got me watching games with him and becoming fascinated by a truly remarkable team. Their reign has had its ups and downs, but that’s never deterred their dedicated fanbase or diminished the resilience they always demonstrate. This journey turned me into a die‑hard Steeler fan, just like my son. And, growing up in eastern NC, the ACC conference was the conference! Among the rival schools in my area—NC State, Duke and UNC—I chose to be a Duke Blue Devil fan. They share many of the same characteristics that drew me to the Steelers, with the added distinction of Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s legendary leadership.
Do you have a favorite holiday?
Christmas is my favorite holiday, hands down. I love the whole package—decorating, gift‑giving, and especially spending time with loved ones. Our family has this great tradition: the weekend after Thanksgiving, we transform our home for Christmas. We play Christmas music, bake cookies, mix up special drinks and decorate the house in holiday cheer. This tradition is what I look forward to all year—it’s the heart of what makes Christmas so special in my book.
Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
Experiencing a new restaurant with an amazing brunch and tasty mimosas.