Manufacturing Month is a time to foster meaningful connections between the manufacturing industry and young innovators, helping to spark interest in STEM careers and expand diversity in the workforce. Throughout October, SME hosted a series of impactful events supporting its mission to increase awareness of career pathways in manufacturing, promote STEM education, and address the industry's need for a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

As part of Manufacturing Month, SME also recognized the achievements of the next generation of leaders with its 30 Under 30 award, honoring young professionals who are driving innovation and transformation within the industry.

Key Events and Highlights

Manufacturing Day 2024 – October 4th  

During the MFG Day “Empowering the Future Planting the Seeds of Careers” webinar, SME facilitated a dynamic discussion on how industry leaders are engaging youth and inspiring the next generation of manufacturers. The session moderated by Toni Neary, SME’s Director of Community Engagement and Workforce Innovation, explored how manufacturers can promote diversity and attract emerging talent.

Panelists included:

• Kara Branch, Founder & CEO, Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation
• Shonali Ditz, Co-founder & Executive Director, Spark Shop
• Shireen Hafeez, Founder & CEO, Deaf Kids Code
• John Cranston, Principal Research Scientist & Engineer and State Coordinator of Bird Inc, Auburn University

A Fireside Chat with Shireen Hafeez, Founder of Deaf Kids Code. – October 9th

SME hosted an inspiring fireside chat with Shireen Hafeez, founder and CEO of Deaf Kids Code, whose journey from economics to advocating for accessible tech education has changed lives. Hafeez’s work emphasizes the importance of providing accessible education for students with disabilities and fostering collaboration between tech companies and schools to help students with diverse needs enter the workforce. More about this impactful conversation and Hafeez’s mission is available in the full blog.

Shop Talk: Diversity of Career Pathways – October 16th

Industry professionals came together for SME’s Shop Talk and shared insights on the diverse career paths in manufacturing and how different educational backgrounds can lead to success. The session emphasized that there is no single "right" way to enter the field of manufacturing, encouraging attendees to explore diverse routes to build their careers.

Panelists included:

• Zachary Loeb, Environmental Engineer, Clay County Utility Authority
• Michael Bell, Engineer & CEO, Engineer Synbyo
• Melanie Lang, Co-Founder & CEO, FormAlloy
• Matthew Clegg, Member Council Representative & SOLIDWORKS Community and User Advocacy Manager, Dassault Systèmes
• John Cranston, Principal Research Scientist & Engineer and State Coordinator of Bird Inc, Auburn University

Fireside Chat with Kara Branch, CEO of Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation – October 23rd

Kara Branch’s conversation was a powerful reminder of how representation matters in STEM. As the founder of Black Girls Do Engineer, Kara is making significant strides to inspire young women of color to pursue careers in engineering and technology. The nonprofit organization fosters an inclusive community where girls can explore STEM fields through mentorship, hands-on activities, and challenges like cybersecurity hackathons.

Additive Manufacturing Coffee Chat – October 29th

The final Additive Manufacturing Coffee Chat of 2024, held during Manufacturing Month, focused on exploring careers in additive manufacturing (AM), highlighting career pathways, essential skills, and networking within the industry. Industry experts shared their experiences and career advice for those interested in AM, offering tips on building a network, essential skills, and career opportunities in this cutting-edge field.

Panelists Included:

• Jennifer Coyne, Director of Programs, The Barnes Global Advisors
• Farhad Ghadamli, Member Council Representative & Manufacturing Engineer, TE Connectivity
• Susan Kolinski, Member Council Representative & Automotive Business Development Manager, PennEngineering

Shop Talk: Women Driving Manufacturing Forward – October 30th

SME highlighted the impact of women in manufacturing. This session explored how women are shaping the future of manufacturing through innovation, leadership, and collaboration.

Panelists included:

• Gabriela Darras, Member Council Chair & Account Executive - US Manufacturing, Microsoft
• Tara Thomasson, Member Council Representative & Technical Fellow, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.
• Jamesa Stokes, Materials Research Engineer, NASA John H. Glenn Research Center
• Allison Leadford, Assistant Research Professor, Auburn University

A Fireside Chat with Shonali Ditz, Co-Founder and Executive Director of SparkShop– November 6

In SME’s final Manufacturing Month event, Shonali Ditz, Executive Director of SparkShop, shared insights into career shifts, the importance of diversity in STEM, and SparkShop's efforts to foster early interest in technical fields. She highlighted the organization’s pandemic pivot to ensure hands-on learning continued remotely and emphasized the critical role of early exposure to STEM for building confidence and resilience, especially among underrepresented students. The chat underscored SparkShop’s dedication to inspiring the next generation of innovators through accessible, engaging STEM experiences.

Local Celebrations and Industry Support

In addition to the online events, SME proudly sponsored two local Manufacturing Day celebrations. One at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour hosted by Henry Ford and another with SEMCA in Wayne County. These events brought local manufacturers together with students, educators, and young professionals to highlight the impact of manufacturing on local economies and communities.

SME Chapters Celebrating Manufacturing Month

SME Chapter 69,18, and 182 organized events that connected students with the world of modern manufacturing and innovative technologies.

SME Chapter 69: Hands-On Learning at Oakland Community College – October 4th

30 students from Pontiac Academy for Excellence High School visited Oakland Community College in Michigan for a day of hands-on learning. The students toured the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Industrial Technology (EMIT) labs, where they got a close-up look at robotics, machine tools, and automation technologies. Industry professionals shared their knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and demonstrated how automation is shaping the future of the industry.

SME Chapter 69: Invest Roosevelt High School at Magna – October 9th

Chapter 69 also sponsored another event at Magna’s Highland Park plant, where 40 students from Invest Roosevelt Alternative High School explored advanced manufacturing technologies used to make automotive parts. Volunteers from Magna, including professionals from both local and corporate facilities, shared insights into careers in manufacturing and answered students' questions about the industry.

SME Chapter 18 Field Trip to Marmac Company – October 16th

Chapter 18’s field trip to Marmac Company in Xenia, Ohio, gave students a firsthand look at hydraulic lift systems and manufacturing practices used in aerospace and construction. Students learned about Marmac’s innovative products, including lifts that position massive jet engines for Pratt & Whitney. The field trip reinforced the importance of connecting academia with industry and inspired students to consider careers in manufacturing.

SME Chapter 182 Manufacturing Month – October 1st and 24th

In October, ALRO Steel in Charlotte, NC, hosted a Manufacturing Day event for six high schools, including Olympic and Hopewell High Schools, supported by SME Chapter 182 members. This event highlighted manufacturing career opportunities and featured a presentation with insights from recent local tours, including the chapter's September visit to ALRO Steel. Additionally, on October 24, Chapter 182 concluded its Manufacturing Month activities with a tour at Chiron, further showcasing advanced manufacturing and career pathways to local educators and students.

As we look forward to next year’s Manufacturing Month, SME will continue fostering collaboration, promoting career opportunities, and celebrating the innovators who will shape the future of manufacturing.