North Texas Women in Manufacturing

Manufacturing, overall, is underrepresented, under marketed, and unpopular, especially among women and young people. Even some of the bigger names in manufacturing, like GE, different auto makers, Samsung, and Boeing are generally known for their products, and not for being manufacturers. There's no doubt manufacturing is one of the bigger and most important contributors to the US and world's economies, but its representation in the media and in the minds of the general public is not nearly as proportional.

The North Texas Women in Manufacturing Association, formed by a group of enthusiasts who work directly with manufacturing companies, will attempt to support the women in manufacturing and promote and market the sector to other women and young people who are currently not involved with manufacturing.

Goals and Aspirations

• Promote networking and general visibility for women in manufacturing (and related sectors)
• Identify and spotlight some of the more prominent local women in manufacturing, and their meaningful work and achievements
• Inspire current women in manufacturing to set bigger goals and aspire to bigger achievements
• Promote mentorship between experienced women and those looking for guidance
• Create and share a strategic roadmap to bring more women into manufacturing
• Bring to light the highlights and benefits of careers in manufacturing

Though our focus is on North Texas, we hope our message will reach women and young people everywhere.

Connecting People in Meaningful Ways

We are planning a few different series of events that are designed to either bring women together in fun and casual settings where they could comfortably share ideas and learn from one another, or to draw an audience of women to a specific speaker or group of speakers who are considered women leaders in their fields.

Online Events

General Networking (monthly)

• Video meeting with other guests
• Attendees will be separated into smaller groups
• Participation required

Featured Speakers (quarterly)

• TED Talk style speakers individually speaking on planned topics
• Audience participates through chat questions only
• Q&A with audience

Panel Discussions (occasionally)

• ?Host/Moderator and guest speakers all appear on screen simultaneously
• Host brings up various questions and topics and invite guests to share their thoughts
• Audience participates through chat questions only

In-Person Events (post pandemic)

General Networking (monthly)

• Informal networking held at public places (happy hours)
• No agenda or speakers

Speaker Presentations (quarterly)

• Each event will feature at least one speaker, touching on relevant topics
• Networking with other guests
• Audience Q&A

Panel Discussions (quarterly)

• Panel discussions with multiple speakers and leaders in manufacturing
• Networking with other guests
• Audience Q&A

Leaders in the Spotlight (quarterly)

• Featuring women leaders and their meaningful work and achievements

Conference (yearly)

• With the support of the community, including local manufacturers and key leaders, we hope to put on a yearly conference in the DFW area
• More details to come

We Need Your Support

The achievement of the goals we've set depends highly on the support we get from the women working in manufacturing and the local manufacturing companies. We hope to improve the experience for women working in manufacturing, as well as to bring more women and young people into manufacturing, and your support will ensure that we reach as much of our target audience as possible.

You can support us in the following ways:

1. Attending our events
2. Sharing your experience and insights as a speaker or panelist
3. Sponsoring our events
4. Inviting others to follow us
5. Becoming an official volunteer

Follow us online:

• LinkedIn Company Page https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/ntwim
• LinkedIn Group https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/12398440/
• Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/ntxwim

Core Team Members

We are a team of high energy professionals coming from various backgrounds that support manufacturing clients. Check out our profiles below:

Emily Ackerman - Business Development Executive, Carr, Riggs & Ingram

Shirley Staten - Business Coach, AdviCoach

Hannah McPhaul - Employee Benefits Consultant, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Olia Bosovik - Human Capital Management Software Sales Executive, Paycor

LoAnn Burt - General Manager of Administration, American Showa, Inc.

Erica Lappo - Business Development Manager, Bridgepoint Consulting

Kevin Pepper - Founder, PI Network