The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently hosted its largest Women’s Leadership class to date at the Winpisinger Center. This event marked the last session under the direction of Julie Frietchen, who is transitioning from her role as IAM Women’s & Young Worker’s Director to become the new 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 the class, which included IAM women from across the United States and Canada.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to empower and educate IAM women, helping them develop leadership skills and increase their influence in workplaces and communities. Over the past three years, Frietchen has led the program and mentored members to promote gender equity within IAM and the broader labor movement.
During the week-long session, participants took part in workshops on topics such as organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. These activities helped participants form connections and reinforced IAM’s commitment to supporting women’s involvement in workplace decision-making.
As part of a communications workshop, attendees collaborated to create a social media post for IAM Union’s Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts.
