Creating and Sustaining Opportunity: Our Responsibility

The manufacturing community continues to progress in areas of diversity, equality, and inclusion within the manufacturing workforce.

Black History Month, a time of reflection and recognition, encourages us to acknowledge achievement and accomplishment. We at SME are proud to celebrate those within the Black Community who’ve contributed and continue to support advancements in manufacturing.

We’re well into a new year, and my focus as an executive leader is to continue on a path that welcomes the participation and most importantly, equal opportunities for all. It has always been a part of SME’s mission to be the manufacturing industry’s leading voice for advancement and opportunity. That’s why it’s very important to me that we make time to observe Black History Month and recognize this community’s consistent positive impact on manufacturing throughout history.

We salute the innovators who dedicate their talent and creativity to manufacturing. The impact of their efforts has contributed to the betterment of society and all that we see, know and do. The Black Community has been and is crucial to the growth of our economy and it’s imperative we respect and remember the individuals who’ve helped advance manufacturing to where it stands today.

I’ve had the honor to lead some amazing manufacturing organizations, both domestically and abroad. If there is one thing I’ve noticed throughout my years in leadership, it’s that all our employees were different, each holding a distinct set of backgrounds and experiences. Whether gender, race or industry knowledge, these employees were unique, each possessing different gifts and perspective. My hope is that our industry can embrace this reality and use it to push manufacturing in a positive direction.

Although the manufacturing community has taken steps towards building a diverse and inclusive culture, there is still much more work to do. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, minorities account for just 12.5% of engineering bachelor’s degree recipients and make up only 20% of the manufacturing workforce. The Black Community has always had a presence within manufacturing, but we must continue to break down barriers that exclude these underrepresented communities from an industry that is in much need of creative, energetic, qualified and skilled employees.

Increasing manufacturing and engineering opportunities for underrepresented students is our commitment. SME was created as a membership organization and has grown to serve the manufacturing industry comprehensively through events, workforce development and media products. Throughout history, a primary focus has been our efforts to increase manufacturing and engineering education opportunities for underrepresented students. We know that manufacturing must be comprised of diverse, creative thinkers and doers. We want to ensure that opportunities and potential for success within manufacturing are available and plentiful.

It’s clear there’s opportunity for improvement for our industry in the area of inclusion. I believe that manufacturing is at its best when we hear the voices of and engage with all community members. While there may be a lot of work to do, I see this as an opportunity for organizations like SME to lead from the front. It’s our responsibility to recognize underrepresented communities as a valued asset to manufacturing and celebrate the individuals who make up these valuable and diverse communities.