Susan Hileman, NWIRC Strategic Business Advisor
and Chair of Western PA Chapter of WiM

“Don’t underestimate the power of women connecting and supporting each other at work.”  This was the beginning of a great article from the Harvard Business Review about women banding together to share successes and challenges. Organizations who proactively recognize and reward all talent—both men and women—will be the winners in the war for qualified people! Research from the 2018 Deloitte report on Women in Manufacturing showed that gender diversity benefits a manufacturing organization through improved ability to innovate, higher return on equity, and increased profitability. However, there are other benefits to women building connections: If nothing else it serves to remind us, “…it’s not just me!”

On April 1st, the Western PA Chapter of Women in Manufacturing (WiM) will be hosting a WiM AFTERHOURS roundtable discussion called “Been There, Done That” at the Ambassador Conference Center in Erie for women to support and learn from each other.  Limited to 20 manufacturers, the purpose of this roundtable is to share observations and discussion with women who have experience in the industry, talking about what’s worked or how they’ve dealt with subjects like:

  • Finding support for decisions,
  • Feeling undermined in the plant,
  • Adjusting our work-life balance,
  • Being taken seriously and
  • Dealing with complex family dynamics.

As Deloitte noted, “Organizations can unleash the full potential of their female workforces by creating a culture where unique strengths thrive.”

The Afterhours Roundtable will be held on April 1st from 5 – 7pm at Ambassador Conference Center, 7794 Peach St, Erie PA. Beverages & hors d’oeuvres provided – $20 member, $40 non-member, $10 student.

Click here for more information or to register.