SME is proud to support Manufacturing Day and month, helping to foster learning and collaboration between manufacturing companies and young creators. SME supports programs and initiatives that push the industry forward and help to advance manufacturing. This year, programming was powered by SME Membership providing traditional webinars along with Shop Talks, open-forum, interactive participant discussions – facilitated by a moderator – focused on key or emerging industry-related topics and products.

To kick off Manufacturing Day 2022, a panelist presented a webinar examining the strategies of using diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to improve manufacturing sustainability, business, and industry value, all to create a more diverse talent pool. If you missed the original webinar, you can access the full discussion here: Celebrating Manufacturing Careers: Creating Pathways for a Diverse Talent Pool

Moderator:

• Kristen Tebo, Technical Development Lead Product Team manager for Graham Media Group. Chair, SME Member Council DEI Task Group.

Panelists:

• Tracy Daly, Senior Director of Production and Industrial Engineering for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, The Boeing Co.
• Justin Reyes, Manager, Member Services & Engagement, Latino Corporate Association.
• Deondra Wardelle, Owner, CEO & DEIA Coach, On to the Next One Consulting

Key Takeaways:

• Strategies and tactics that create work environments that encourage and allow all to reach their full potential:
  • Envision strategic pathways and align that vision with the organization’s strategic plan.
  • Ensure the vision includes an audacious goal but also operationalizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
  • Intentionally collaborate with Human Resources as the department will ultimately become a strategic partner throughout the entire operation.
  • Create different cohorts for new hires where small teams of employees are paired with a mentor. This creates an internal network and establishes a support group.
  • Verify individual performance review goals and objectives are aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities. This way, employees will feel a part of the vision, which helps to increase a sense of belonging and inclusion, as well as foster a sense of ownership for playing a role in furthering the organization’s goals.
• Calls to action that support elevating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture:
  • Don’t make assumptions about people, look for ways to include all employees in decision processes.
  • Commit to the success of every employee and make daily problem-solving part of daily practice.
  • It’s important to embrace the learning journey.

The purpose of the Shop Talk series is to foster conversations that will help manufacturers make more intentional decisions when they consider the implementation of new technology and workforce development. SME Members are encouraged to continue the conversation on SME Connect, an online community of SME members to engage and share knowledge. Whether it’s discussions surrounding new products, manufacturing processes, or conversations about workforce development, the objective has always been the same, provide a safe space for the manufacturing community to come together to learn, engage, and advance. You can playback the full webinar here: Celebrating Manufacturing Careers: Creating Pathways for a Diverse Talent Pool.