June 26, 2024 by SME Communications On June 4, 2024, SME and Women in Manufacturing (WiM) co-hosted the "Women of SMART Experience” at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. This event was held in recognition of the remarkable contributions of women in the manufacturing industry and served as a platform to celebrate their achievements, share insights, and foster community engagement. Drawing inspiration from successful women leaders in manufacturing can be transformative for emerging professionals and those transitioning into the industry. Their stories of triumph and resilience not only inspire but also instill a sense of camaraderie within the community. Networking with peers and mentors further enriches this journey, creating avenues for collaboration and mentorship. The event kicked off with a dynamic panel discussion titled "Women Leading SMART," featuring esteemed industry professionals: Sirisha Kuchimanchi from Sahita Technologies, Jennifer Coyne from The Barnes Global Advisors, Georgette Nelson from America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing & Machining (NCDMM), Lisa Masciantonio from the ARM Institute, and Susan Kolinski from PennEngineering® as the moderator. Panelists shared their personal success stories, strategies for overcoming challenges, and visions for the future of the manufacturing industry. "What I am hoping for the future, with the help of panelists like these ladies and industry events like this one, is that women and children won’t have to wonder what an engineer does, they will want to figure out ‘how can I be one and solve all of the world’s problems?’,” said Susan Kolinski from PennEngineering®. Attendees were treated to inspiring keynote sessions aimed at personal and professional development: Madeleine MacRae, co-founder & CEO of Legacy Leadership Institute, led a reflective workshop on finding fulfillment beyond traditional success. Andrea Raggambi, chief success designer at PerforMore LLC, empowered attendees to unlock their potential, build confidence, and cultivate resilience for success in both work and life. “My mission is to inspire and empower ambitious leaders to deeply appreciate who they are by exploring what thoughts, attitudes, and habits they are willing to shift to reveal the person they have yet to become,” said Raggambi. The Women of SMART Experience was also a catalyst for positive change. It highlighted the remarkable achievements of women in manufacturing, provided avenues for professional growth, and made a tangible impact on the local community. As attendees reflected on the empowering experiences of the event, the message to amplify the voices and contributions of women in shaping the future of smart manufacturing resonated strongly. "The collaboration, the vulnerability, the willingness to share and inspire, to challenge and to change was apparent from the start and uplifting to experience," said MacRae about the event. The Women of SMART Experience 2024 was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. It served as a testament to the power of collaboration, empowerment, and community engagement in driving meaningful change within the manufacturing industry.
