15 Years of WiM: Celebrating Our Impact and What It Means to Us
15 Years of WiM: Celebrating Our Impact and What It Means to Us
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) as we celebrate our 15th anniversary. Established in 2010 as a networking group, WiM has grown into a national and global trade association with over 31,000 members spanning every U.S. state and more than 65 countries. Our mission has stood firm—to support, promote and inspire women in the manufacturing while creating a space for collaboration and advancement in the industry.
The past 15 years have been a testament to the resilience, innovation and dedication of women in the industry. But this anniversary isn’t just about looking back. It’s about setting bold goals for the future and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
"WiM has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional journey. It’s a community that champions the voices, talents and leadership of women in manufacturing," says Misti Rice, Executive Director of Government Affairs at Magna International Inc., and past chair of WiM’s Board of Directors, 2021. "It’s where I’ve found mentors, built lifelong friendships and experienced the impact of shared purpose."
A Vision Realized
WiM Founder and President Allison Grealis reflects on the organization’s progress with immense pride. "When WiM began, the vision was to create a space where women in manufacturing could come together to share experiences, resources and support, to collaborate and to grow. It’s exciting that this year, we’re celebrating 15 years of progress. We’ve grown from a single concept into a vibrant trade association with over 31,000 members and a presence in every state—plus international members. I always dreamed of us having this type of reach, and it’s incredible to see it realized," Grealis shares.
WiM’s evolution into a powerhouse organization is far more than growth in numbers—it embodies the collective strength of women working together to break barriers and gain representation, shaping the future of the industry.
Karen Norheim, President & CEO of American Crane & Equipment Corporation, and past chair of WiM’s Board of Directors, 2019, echoes this sentiment. “WiM is an incredible community that brings women in manufacturing together. Something that I always like to think about is how we learn by storytelling and by sharing stories. WiM creates spaces for us to find our voices, get brave enough to share and inspire each other. This connection leads to empowerment, driving both personal growth and industry-wide progress. Whether through stories of problem-solving, innovation, or resilience, WiM provides a platform where ideas are shared, which has a ripple effect of raising everybody up through the power of connecting and growing and learning.”
Strides Made and Barriers Left to Overcome
The progress achieved by WiM over the past 15 years is undeniable. From the launch of 34 local chapters and professional development programs through the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation (WiMEF), to the creation of WiMWorks, a robust job board, WiM continues to serve as an invaluable resource for women in the industry.
Building on this momentum, Grealis highlights the opportunities ahead. "We have made great strides in this first 15 years as an organization, but there are still barriers that continue to challenge women in manufacturing. From access to childcare to workforce development, we are committed to addressing inequities that impact women and their families. This year, we are entering the space of public affairs to amplify our voice on issues that matter most," Grealis explains.
WiM remains dedicated to equipping women with the skills and resources needed to thrive at every stage of their manufacturing careers, while also inspiring them to excel in leadership roles.
Griselda Abousleman, Founder & CEO of Excellence Coaching LLC, and past chair of WiM’s Board of Directors, 2018, shares her perspective on why this mission remains critical. "WiM means empowerment, resilience and winning together. In its mission to support, promote and inspire more women into the manufacturing industry, WiM is all about collaboration and elevating women to ensure their talents and voices are considered, appreciated and trusted as a competitive advantage for all."
A Bold Future Ahead
WiM’s ambition doesn’t stop here. With 15 remarkable years behind us, we are poised for even greater achievements.
"As I look ahead, I see countless opportunities for further growth. With approximately 3.7 million women in manufacturing, our goal is to reach even more of them in the next 15 years. As part of our 2030 strategic plan, we aim to grow to 50,000 members, establish 50 chapters across the country, and become a stronger voice for women's issues in manufacturing, as well as for the industry as a whole.”
These goals demonstrate WiM’s commitment to harnessing collective power to effect lasting change in the industry and to create a thriving, inclusive environment for all professionals.
Join Us in Shaping the Next Chapter
WiM’s 15th anniversary is not just a moment of celebration—it’s an invitation. An invitation to reflect, to connect and to contribute.
If you’ve been a part of the WiM community, we hope this anniversary inspires you to share your story. Let us know what WiM means to you. If you've just discovered WiM, we welcome you to join us and explore how our association can elevate your career and expand your opportunities. Send your stories, memories, photos and testimonials to media@womeninmfg.org so we can share them on our social channels and through our Weekly e-newsletter to commemorate 15 years of WiM.
Together, we’ll continue to make progress, break barriers and inspire the next generation of women in manufacturing.
Here’s to boldly shaping the future—together.