The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently held its largest Women’s Leadership class 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 role as Director of the Winpisinger Center.
Julie Frietchen commented on the growth of the program, stating, “It’s very exciting news that the numbers are growing every year in these programs.” She noted that there was a waitlist for the class, which included IAM women from both the United States and Canada.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to empower and educate women within the IAM to develop their leadership skills and increase their influence in workplaces and communities. Frietchen has led the program for the past three years and has mentored members to promote gender equity within the union and the wider labor movement.
During the week-long program, participants attended workshops on organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. The program also provided opportunities for participants to form connections and reinforced the IAM’s commitment to supporting women in leadership roles.
As part of a communications exercise, the class developed an original post for IAM Union’s social media platforms on Facebook and X (Twitter).
