The increasing trend of women entering careers in STEM is promising for the future of manufacturing. Nearly 75% of women in manufacturing recommend a career in this industry.

Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions of female leaders and innovators both past and present who’ve had a positive impact on society and across industries. Additionally, International Women’s Day (March 8) is a celebration of women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. SME celebrates the achievements of women driving innovation in manufacturing who’ve chosen a career in STEM and continue to advance our industry. Amongst these women are the industry leaders within SME.

Leaders of SME

The involvement of women within SME has expanded over time growing each year since the association began back in 1932. In 1936 SME received its first female member, Margaret Irene Cecil, who served as secretary of the first student chapter at the Detroit College of Applied Science. This inclusion was the outset to the overall growth of SME membership for years to come. SME is the manufacturing industry’s leading organization for advancement and opportunity and some of the most influential voices in manufacturing come from the prominent women of SME.

The esteemed community of SME Presidents has been an important part of the organization's history and an integral part of its future. SME Presidents are leaders in manufacturing who contribute their technical expertise and valuable career experiences to help advance the industry. Throughout SME’s history there have been some amazing women who’ve held leadership roles as sitting presidents including, Sandra Bouckley, Dianne Chong, Susan Smyth, and the first female SME president elected, Barbara Fossum. All playing a critical role in the success of SME and advancement of manufacturing, the expertise and guidance from women leadership has shaped our 90-year legacy.

Career Advancements for Women in Manufacturing

Furthermore, the contributions of women in STEM, both past and present, have helped shape what manufacturing looks like today. In a recent study by From Xometry & Women in Manufacturing, it’s reported, “While men are more likely to actively seek out a career in manufacturing compared to their female counterparts (47%-30%), 75% of women in the industry are likely or very likely to recommend a career in manufacturing. With 48% of women working in industrial careers identifying as having participated in STEM programs.” The report goes on to state that the comprehensive survey, “…shows that an increased interest in manufacturing among women is very encouraging for the future of our industry."

The increasing trend of women entering careers in STEM is promising for the future of manufacturing. This is the case with the volunteer leadership within our own association starting with the SME Member Council that was created in the fall of 2003. This group leads the member engagement activities of SME's volunteer networks. To maintain and extend the diverse vitality and impact of SME, Jennifer Fielding, PhD, 2022 chair of the SME Member Council, established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Group to advance initiatives that support and aid in the growth of underrepresented groups within the membership, including females and minorities.

SME has a rich history in supporting manufacturing, and women have played an integral role in all this organization has achieved and plans to accomplish in the future.