The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently held its largest Women’s Leadership class to date at the Winpisinger Center. This event marked a milestone for the union, as it was the final Women’s Leadership session led by Julie Frietchen before she transitions to her new position as Director of the Winpisinger Center.
“It’s very exciting news that the numbers are growing every year in these programs,” said Frietchen. She noted that there was a waitlist for this year’s class, which included IAM women from both the United States and Canada.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to help IAM women develop leadership skills and build influence in their workplaces and communities. Over the past three years, Frietchen has directed the program and mentored members to promote gender equity within the IAM and the wider labor movement.
During the week-long session, participants attended workshops covering topics such as organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. The event also provided opportunities for participants to form connections and reinforced the IAM’s commitment to supporting women’s participation in union leadership.
As part of the course, attendees collaborated on creating a social media post for IAM Union’s accounts on Facebook and X (Twitter).
