On Thursday, March 27, nearly 200 people gathered at the National Electronics Museum for RMI’s “Women in NextGen Manufacturing & Engineering” event to hear experts talk about the industry.

Attendees were given time to network with many top females in the field before hearing from Laura Neuman, Anne Arundel County Executive. She inspired the crowd by sharing her own personal story of overcoming challenges and adversity.

“No matter what the obstacles are, there’s always opportunity out there,” she said.

Northrop Grumman not only hosted the event, but its corporate vice president and vice president Gloria A. Flach served as the event’s keynote speaker. With years of experience in the industry, Flach was able to tell the crowd about how manufacturing and engineering are always changing.

The speech led into an informative discussion moderated by Northrop Grumman’s own Silvia Bouchard, who also offered advice to the audience on work-life balance, leadership and more.

The panel was made up of Lion Brothers Suzy Ganz, GM’s Nichole Hickson-Oliver, Keytech’s Jenny Regan and Northrop Grumman’s Mary Kay Burch. The women discussed their current jobs and things that they have learned during their careers.

In addition, the audience asked panel members questions about the field, ranging from “How can we educate the future generation?” to “How can I deal with setbacks on the job?”

“The panel discussion of top women manufacturer executives was inspiring,” said Kathy Synder, CEE, President and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. “Each of them emphasized the values of planning ahead, being ready to take risks and finding good mentors, something that is critically important for all young professionals.”

Overall, the event gave the more than 180 attendees a lot of information that they can implement in their own work and lives.  See more pictures of the event here.

 

What attendees had to say when asked.
” What did you like most about the event?”. (from our post event survey)

This was my first RMI event. I was impressed with the knowledge and commitment to bolstering manufacturing in MD. Also, thought the camaraderie between attendees was great.

The extremely talented and inspiring speakers and panelists were most impressive. It was a very nice venue and well attended.

The number of attendees and enthusiasm about manufacturing in Maryland. Great speakers!

The caliber of speakers and content.

The women on the panel were fabulous. They spoke from experience and the heart. Many wonderful take-away actions received.

Having the different aspects from manufacturing (CEOs, VPs, HR) to bring different insight to the panel.

I was impressed by the wide range of expertise demonstrated by the panelists. They were well-versed and candid about sharing their personal experiences with the audience.

The panel of women as guest speakers.

The diversity and depth of the panelists. I left the event and several days later still reflected on the “nuggets” of information and experiences the speakers shared. They provided genuine, real life words of wisdom and encouragement for personal and professional development that “stuck” with me as I progress and improve.

Openness to audience for questions

The sharing of life experiences of the women in the panel

I was most impressed by the eloquent speaking of the panel and keynote speaker, they were very engaging and relevant. I felt as though I learned some keen advice.

Synergies between speaker and panelists…

The guests–especially the woman who introduced the program–(Laura Neuman, Anne Arundel County Executive)

The organization was well done as well.

The women on the panel. The difference in leadership styles between men and women is enormous in my opinion. We men follow sports, and war, as proper leadership models. Women focus on nurturing and consensus based on what I heard from the panel.

Great chemistry and open conversation and audience interaction

All the bad ass ladies.

I was most impressed with the quality of the panelists and their willingness to share their experiences with the audience. I especially appreciated the focus on the importance of mentoring younger women entering manufacturing and mastering higher-level skills for NextGen Manufacturing.