SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 16, 2024 – SME, the nonprofit committed to accelerating new manufacturing technology adoption and building North America's talent and capabilities, and the Alliance for Working Together Foundation (AWT) will host a two-part interactive program for middle and high school students, educators, and parents titled EmpowerHer. Part one focuses on navigating pathways in engineering and is a virtual event on May 16, 2024, while part two is focused on STEM fields and is an in-person event on June 21, 2024.

Designed to inspire young women and open to all students who have identified an interest in STEM and engineering pathways, the virtual program will take place during the school day from 10-11:30 a.m. ET and educators across North America are encouraged to register their classroom for participation. Registration is now open at https://www.empowerher-engr.com/.

Four women panelists from the field of engineering will cover why they chose their career path, how they navigated the industry, and the importance of professional development and networking. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with panelists.

Moderated by Toni Neary, SME’s director of community engagement and workforce innovation, the panel includes:

• Allison Ledford, PhD, Assistant Research Professor, Auburn University, Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Ava Raugust, Bilingual Agriscientist and Engineer, El Captain High School, Lakeside California and SME 2023 30 under 30 recipient
• Lily Brightman, Student, Beaumont School

"During this interactive program, students will discover the compelling reasons to explore a career in engineering and have the opportunity to speak with individuals in the field at many different stages to truly explore the many opportunities and pathways that a career in engineering can offer,” said Neary.

Part two of EmpowerHer is an in-person panel representing women STEM leaders’ perspectives on June 21, coinciding with the conclusion of AWT's "Summer Manufacturing Institute," a series of STEM-to-career summer camps tailored for 5th and 6th-grade students who engage in an immersive experience highlighting the connections between STEM concepts and exciting, in-demand manufacturing careers.

In February, SME launched a strategic partnership with the Alliance for Working Together Foundation (AWT), an organization based in Ohio dedicated to promoting manufacturing careers and bridging the gap in the industry’s skilled workforce. This partnership marks a significant milestone in SME’s efforts to motivate interest in manufacturing in community groups, schools, and institutions.

About The Alliance for Working Together (AWT) Foundation

The Alliance for Working Together Foundation is committed to promoting fulfilling manufacturing careers by bridging the gap between students and businesses. As a membership organization based in Northeast Ohio, AWT strives to sustain manufacturing in the community by fostering connections between industry stakeholders and future workforce. Learn more at ThinkMFG.com, or follow AWT on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About SME

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America’s talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.