The National Team at Women In Manufacturing is immensely proud of the events and programming presented in our 2019 fiscal year (April 2019 – March 2020). We would not be able to do what we do without the support of our partners, sponsors, and our members, and for that we say Thank You!
SUMMIT 2019
482 people, representing 176 organizations, from 46 states, and three countries came together to #ReachGreaterHeights at the 9th annual Women In Manufacturing (WIM) SUMMIT in Denver, CO. From September 9 – 11, attendees enjoyed an agenda chock-full of inspiring presentations, interactive workshops and roundtables, fun social activities, and informative educational sessions.
Highlights include:
- Exciting, small group tours at Leprino foods, Lockheed Martin, CoorsTek, Davis Manufacturing, MillerCoors, 3D Systems, and more.
- Insightful presentations and workshops, including "Sweat the Small Stuff: Reaching Greater Heights in Gratitude for Business and for Life," with Lisa Ryan of Grategy, and "Story Telling for Business," with the co-founders of the Bolder Company.
- Attendee-led roundtable discussions on hot topics and pain points.
- A Wild, Wild West themed Silent Auction, which raised more than $20,000 to support educational opportunities for women in manufacturing.
Summer Leadership Conference
The SLC is a special event for WIM’s National Board of Directors and Corporate member company representatives. Participants discuss and determine solutions to common industry challenges, network and exchange ideas, and walk away with tangible next steps to improve their workforce attraction, engagement, and retention.
The 4th annual WIM SLC was held on July 22 – 23, 2019 in Louisville, KY at GE Appliances, a Haier Co. Every Corporate member of WIM was encouraged to send up-to-two representatives at no cost. More than 75 manufacturing leaders were in attendance.
Highlights include:
- Interactive roundtable discussions on key topics of interest – The Power and Purpose of Employee Resource Groups and Advocacy and Mentorship in ManufacturingÂ
- Presentations given by fellow Corporate member companies – “Attracting Women to Manufacturing Roles” with Herminio Hernandez, Strategic HR Business Advisor, BASF and “My Journey, My Way” with Marcia Brey, Executive Director, Lean Enterprise, GE Appliances
- Networking with senior leaders
- An off-site networking dinner, distillery tour, and bourbon tasting in the heart of Whiskey Row
- Small-group tours of GE AppliancesÂ
Management Development Program
The Management Development Program (MDP) provides new and aspiring supervisors, managers and team leaders, who have three or less years of experience, with training to develop skills that are necessary for managerial success. We had 13 individuals graduate in our 2019 class.
Topics covered include:
- Using Your Strengths with the Strengths Finder assessment
- Navigating Difficult Conversations
- Ongoing Performance Management
- Dynamic Presentations
- Finance for the Non-Financial Manager, and many others
Management Development Program
Please note: This program has been rebranded as our Leadership Institute
To date, more than 50 outstanding manufacturing leaders have graduated from the Leadership Lab for Women In Manufacturing (LLMFG). A partnered educational program with Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management and the Women In Manufacturing Association (WIM), the LLMFG provides manufacturing women in mid-to-high level leadership roles with executive education that concentrates on issues pertinent to women working in male-dominated fields and is presented with a specific focus on the field of manufacturing.
The Class of 2019 convened in Cleveland, OH on the campus of Case Western for two separate sessions spanning six days total. Key topics covered in the curriculum included:
- Emotional intelligence, negotiations, and communications
- Overcoming workplace bias
- Developing and achieving your personal vision
- Confidence and presentation skills
- Navigating and transforming your organization
The Leadership Institute (formerly called Leadership Lab) will prepare you to take the next step in your career, rise higher within your organization, and join the growing ranks of fellow female manufacturing leaders who are making an enormous impact on our industry. Learn how to categorize and prioritize your goals, and receive the tools and support you need to achieve them. Be a part of our fifth cohort, the Class of 2020, and transform your career and organization.
Peak North 2019
Please Note: Formatting for this program in 2020 and beyond has been updated! Check out the 2020 agenda here.
More than 65 professionals from across the manufacturing industry participated in the PEAK North Conference in Dearborn, MI on April 15. The day included opportunities for attendees to learn and network through engaging plant tours, breakout sessions, an inspiring keynote, and more!
Highlights include:
- Plant tours at Ford Motor Company and Shinola
- Sessions led by Director, Facility Engineering and Manufacturing Operations, Sustainable Workplaces, General Motors President and CEO of Harbour Results Inc., and more!
WiM Automotive North 2019
Please note: Formatting for this program in 2020 and beyond has been updated! Check out the 2020 agenda here.
More than 130 automotive manufacturing industry professionals gathered at the 8th annual WIM Automotive North Conference on April 16 in Dearborn, MI. The day-long conference had opportunities to engage while learning from industry experts on some of the latest cutting-edge trends.
Highlights included:
- Keynote presentation by Carla Bailo, President, Center for Automotive Research (CAR)
- Panel discussion including Vehicle Persormance Development Engineer, Nissan, Plant Manager, Ford Motor Company, New Model Program Development Center, Global Manufacturing Chief Engineer, General Motors, Product Line Executive, Engineering Services, American Axle & Manufacturing
- A networking workshop and more!
Peak South 2019
Please note: Formatting for this program in 2020 and beyond has been updated! Check out the 2020 agenda here.
Eighty-one professionals from across the manufacturing industry participated in the PEAK South Conference in Greenville, SC on October 28. The day included opportunities for attendees to learn and network through engaging breakout sessions, an inspiring Keynote, and more!Â
Highlights included:
- Sessions led by Global Manufacturing Chief Engineer, General Motors, Engineering Director, Intel Category Manager, Ingersoll Rand, VP of Sales and Marketing, Georg Utz
- Plant tours at BMW and GE Aviation
WiM Automotive South 2019
More than 60 automotive manufacturing industry professionals gathered at the 3rd annual WIM Automotive South Conference on October 29 in Greenville, SC. The day-long conference had opportunities to engage while learning from industry experts on some of the latest cutting-edge trends. *Note: Formatting for this program in 2020 and beyond has been updated! Check out the 2020 agenda.
Highlights included:
- Presentations led by Director, Global Advanced Manufacturing Technology, AGCO Head of Safety, Uber(ATG) Section Manager, Quality, BMW and more!
- A campfire session led by Manufacturing Operations and Engineering Manager, Bosch
Virtual Learning Series
The WIM Virtual Learning Series consisted of six bimonthly webinars that enabled participants to conveniently learn about a variety of industry-related topics. Each webinar, a free benefit for WIM members, included action-oriented and solution-driven objectives that helped women succeed in the manufacturing sector. Topics ranged from technical expertise, to the cultivation of leadership skills, and each webinar was hosted by a carefully selected knowledge expert.
FY 2019 Virtual Learning Series Topics:
- Career Growth Through Financial Confidence
- Breaking Down the Barriers: Reaching Personal and Professional Success Through Financial Literacy
- Leading through influence
- Leading through Emotional Intelligence
- Maximizing Communication and Collaboration
- The Buffalo Mindset - Charge into the Storm
- Creating a Better Workplace Culture
Members can listen to recordings of all VLS webinars here: