Virtual STEP Forward: Creating Your Network

The Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Forward program, an integral part of the Institute’s  STEP Women’s Initiative, provides women in manufacturing with an opportunity to hear from industry leaders, connect with their peers and learn best practices they can bring back to their companies.

The manufacturing industry is facing a labor shortage with estimates suggesting that 2.1 million jobs may go unfilled by 2030. Closing the gender gap is the largest opportunity for the industry to reclaim its workforce and create a more diverse and robust talent pipeline.

Women make up nearly half of the U.S. labor force—but only 30% of manufacturing. Based on survey findings, female manufacturers cite a lack of access to mentors and support networks as a top barrier to entering and staying in the industry.

On Thursday, August 19 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET, the Manufacturing Institute will host STEP Forward: Creating Your Network, sponsored by Arconic Foundation, where we will explore how mentorships, allyships and community are integral to the journey of women manufacturers.

• Lauren Wilk, Vice President, Government Affairs, Arconic Corporation
• Tom Yura, Chief Operating Officer, Cornerstone Chemical Company
• Rania Hoteit, CEO and Founder, ID4A Technologies
• Lizeth Medina Balliet, Senior Manager – Advanced Data Science, Neenah Enterprises

You must register in advance to join attend the virtual event. Join the virtual event from your web browser at 12:00 PM ET on August 19th.

Tips for Attending

• Be an active participant – ask questions, answer polls, engage in chat
• Share – post reactions, resources and more on social media using the hashtag #MFGWomen
• Invite others within your network