About this Event
SVAM's annual Women of Manufacturing Symposium will be held on Friday, March 7th, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center of Abingdon, Virginia.
The event will be held in celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day. The Symposium is held to celebrate and recognize women's contributions, value, and future in manufacturing. Further, the purpose is to promote the career opportunities women can pursue in the manufacturing industry.
The event will include a welcome and introduction of a keynote speaker and a panel. The panel, comprised of women who work in the manufacturing field from local companies, will be featured. These women will share how their career pathway began in manufacturing, job opportunities which available today, the qualities that women possess that make them excel in manufacturing, wages, a typical day, and the technical skill requirements for today’s manufacturing jobs. The panelists will share their stories about how each of their careers progressed. Our target audience is women currently working in manufacturing, young women interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing, and women working to support manufacturing. This is an open event to the community at large and all genders are welcome! At the event, SVAM will also recognize the 2025 winner of the “Outstanding Woman in Manufacturing” Award.
This year's Keynote Speaker will be Sneha Atwal, Vice President of the Manufacturing Division at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
This year's panelists will be:
- Michele Campbell, Human Resources Manager, Somic America, Inc.
- Laura Smith, Drafting/CAD Instructor for Washington County Career and Technology Education Center and former manufacturing employee
- Brooke Eskridge, Welder, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company
- Additional Panelists TBA
Lunch will be provided.
We need volunteers!
This is a major event for a very small nonprofit. If you would be willing to donate your time to help with this event, even in small part, please email Lennie Gail Mitcham at [email protected].
Sponsors:
Gold-Level Sponsors:
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Silver-Level Sponsors:
Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County
SVAM is still seeking sponsors for this event. If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact Lennie Gail Mitcham at [email protected].
Who Should Attend?
Women in Manufacturing: Women currently working in manufacturing, at all levels, will benefit from the opportunity to network with other women in manufacturing. There will also be value in hearing from women professionals in manufacturing speak about their career paths and challenges that they have overcome.
From an attendee last year: “The Women in Manufacturing Symposium was a wonderful experience! The event provides an opportunity for a diverse group of women to engage while sharing advice and experiences. I would encourage any woman in manufacturing to attend such an inspiring event!”
Women interested in a career in manufacturing (students and adults): Network with women currently working in manufacturing and learn about the career opportunities available.
From an attendee last year: “For all women that are either manufacturing professionals or looking for a possible career in manufacturing, this is the symposium for you. This yearly event provides excellent speakers that share their experiences in the job they have today, how they got to where they are, and what opportunities they see opening up to more and more women in the future.”
Teachers/Guidance Counselors/School Administrators: Learn about career opportunities available to your students.
From an attendee last year: “Awesome event! Made me much more aware of jobs for women in manufacturing. This information will be very helpful in talking with students about their future.”
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, One Partnership Circle, Abingdon, United States
USD 0.00
