The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently held its largest Women’s Leadership class at the Winpisinger Center. This event marks a milestone for the union, as it was the final Women’s Leadership class led by Julie Frietchen before she transitions to her new role as Director of the Winpisinger Center.
Julie Frietchen, who has overseen the program for the past three years, highlighted the increasing interest in the course. “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 session, which included IAM women from both the United States and Canada.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to equip IAM women with leadership skills and knowledge to strengthen their influence at work and in their communities. Participants attended workshops covering topics such as organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. The program also provided opportunities for participants to connect with each other and reinforce IAM’s commitment to supporting women’s participation in union leadership.
During the course, attendees worked together on a communications exercise that resulted in an original post for IAM Union’s social media platforms, including Facebook and X (Twitter).
