Betty Gilbert graduated from Sidney Senior High in 1950. After earning her Associate in Arts and Science degree from SUNY Delhi and her Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Syracuse University she began a career at Bendix in Sidney, New York as a Stenographer. Open to every challenge and opportunity Betty moved up continuously from Secretary to Executive Secretary to Supervisor of Engineering Records, to Supervisor of Drafting, Checking and Engineering Records. For the last 10 years of her career Betty Gilbert was the Engineering Manager of Technical Services supervising 87 employees.
Ted Wilklow, former Director of Engineering, said that Betty had been exceptionally positive, energetic, skillful and professional in every position she held in the Engineering Department and her talents were rewarded as she was frequently promoted to positions with increased responsibilities, breaking the glass ceiling in business, at a time when women in management were rare execptions
Betty served as a director of United Way of Sidney for over 20 years during which time she served also as President and Treasurer and Campaign Manager. She was responsible for replacing door-to-door canvassing with a "mail out letter" and implemented the in-house campaign at both Bendix (Amphenol) and Keith Clark (ACCO). She submitted letters of recommenddations for local volunteers to carry the Olympic Torch in 1984 and four were selected.
Believing that the unfolding history of the Bendix Corporation should be preserved she wrote several chapters and helped edit the book about Bendix entitled "The Spark in The Dark". She also worked tirelessly to develop the first museum at Bendix called Bendix Memory Lane by researching and planning the layout of the new Amphenol museum
Betty has been continuously involved with the Com- munity Foundation of Unadilla, Town Country Club, Engineer's Club and the Sidney Hospital Guild and has held leadership in each of these organizations. Now in her early 80’s you may find her on a bus trip, cruise or still at home managing publicity and registration for the Annual Antique Car Show which she has served over 20 years
Betty Gilbert - a pioneer for women striving for career advancement in business as well as a powerful force in giving back to her community through many and varied community service activities.