Why Not Me? Elevating Every Woman in Advanced Manufacturing
Allison Roberts Grealis, Founder and President of Women in Manufacturing
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"Why not me?" is a question every woman in manufacturing should be asking—and this episode gives them the answer.
Join Matt Kirchner as he sits down with Allison Roberts Grealis, Founder and President of Women in Manufacturing (WiM), for a conversation about breaking down barriers and creating pathways for women at every stage of their manufacturing career. Whether you’re an entry-level operator or a CEO, WiM is committed to helping you thrive in this dynamic industry.
From the creation of WiM to its impact on women in leadership, apprenticeships, and manufacturing careers, Allison shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities women face. This episode offers inspiration, advice, and tangible takeaways for women—and their allies—looking to make their mark in advanced manufacturing.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why "Why Not Me?" is more than just a question—it's a call to action
- How WiM supports women in manufacturing at all career levels
- The biggest barriers women face in manufacturing—and how they’re being overcome
- How women can build confidence and apply their skills, no matter their role
- Real-life success stories of women advancing their careers in manufacturing
Quotable Moments:
"When I started the organization back 14 years ago, [women] were about 22% to 24% [of the manufacturing workforce]... Now, present day, we're almost 30% of the manufacturing workforce. So there's been improvement. And not only do we look at trying to gain more women in industry, but as well more women in leadership."
"I think first and foremost a challenge is getting women into the industry. I think once women are in the industry, one of the challenges is for them to see pathways for progress... Manufacturing still is very male-dominated, and obviously that landscape is changing, but women need to see the opportunities to rise."
3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:
- Women are increasingly entering and succeeding in manufacturing.
The percentage of women in the manufacturing workforce has grown from 22-24% to almost 30%, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like WiM. Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly in leadership representation and career advancement opportunities. - Direct feedback and mentorship are essential for women’s advancement in manufacturing.
Allison highlights the need for leadership allies to provide women with the same honest feedback given to their male counterparts. Without this support, women may miss critical opportunities for growth and advancement in their careers. - WiM supports women at every stage of their career, from entry-level to leadership.
WiM’s resources are designed to meet women where they are, whether they’re just starting out as apprentices or seeking executive leadership roles. The organization provides networking, mentorship, and leadership programs that help women build confidence and pursue their career goals.
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