2024 WiM Virginia Leadership Conference

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Leadership Conference Recap

The 2024 WiM Virginia Leadership Conference, held on October 29, 2024, at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center, was a day of inspiration, empowerment, and celebration of women’s impact on the industry. The event featured a thoughtfully curated agenda with engaging discussions, skill-building breakout sessions, and opportunities for connection.

Essential Accessories

Attendees were welcomed with a souvenir Rosie the Riveter-inspired bandanas, sponsored by Newport News Shipbuilding, setting an empowering tone for the day ahead.

Inspiring Speakers

The program began with a panel featuring “Modern Day Rosies” from Newport News Shipbuilding. The discussion offered insights into overcoming workplace challenges and pursuing ambitions with confidence. Clare Miller, Chief Human Resource Officer at Atlantic Union Bank, also presented on how to reflect and challenge assumptions on the journey to authentic living.

This year’s lunch keynote speaker was Martha King, STIHL Timbersports World Champion and Lumberjill, who shared her experience as a woman athlete in male-dominated sports. Her story of resilience and determination encouraged guests to embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth and leadership.

Afternoon breakout sessions allowed participants to delve deeper into personal and professional development. Katy Stuck’s session, Fast-Tracking Your Growth with Coaches and Mentors, provided practical guidance on leveraging coaches and mentors for career growth. Alternatively, Alyssa Broadnax and Susan Beck led Owning Your Career: Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace, a workshop focused on self-advocacy and career growth strategies. Both sessions provided attendees with actionable tools to navigate their professional journeys confidently.

Connection & Community

After the formal program concluded, guests gathered in the Jepson Alumni Center’s outdoor courtyard for a reception. The reception provided an excellent opportunity for conference-goers to network, reflect on the day’s insights, and strengthen connections within the manufacturing community.

The 2024 WiM Virginia Leadership Conference was an inspiring and empowering event that celebrated the accomplishments and potential of women in manufacturing. From the Rosie the Riveter bandanas to the vibrant networking reception, every detail of the conference reflected the WiM Virginia Chapter’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community.

Sponsor Support

The success of this year’s conference was possible with the generous support of its sponsors:

  • Title: Newport News Shipbuilding
  • Platinum: Dominion Energy and STIHL Inc.
  • Silver: Evonik, Church & Dwight, WestRock, and AdvanSix
  • Bronze: Ashland, Atlantic Union Bank, Environmental Standards/Montrose, ITAC, Liebherr, Merrick, Molson Coors, Omega Protein, ONE Environmental Group, PhRMA, Universal Leaf Tobacco Co., and Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)
  • Break: Acoustical Sheetmetal Co.

The WiM Virginia Chapter extends its heartfelt gratitude to the partners who supported this transformative event. Every contribution underscores a commitment to advancing women’s leadership and fostering growth and innovation in manufacturing.

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