The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently held its largest Women’s Leadership class to date at the Winpisinger Center. This session marks a milestone for the union and was the last Women’s Leadership class overseen by Julie Frietchen in her current role as IAM Women’s & Young Worker’s Director. Frietchen will soon transition to become Director of the Winpisinger Center.
“It’s very exciting news that the numbers are growing every year in these programs,” said Frietchen. She also 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. Frietchen has led the program for three years and has mentored members to promote gender equity within the IAM and the wider labor movement.
During the week-long event, participants attended workshops on organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. The program also encouraged participants to form connections and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting women’s participation in decision-making roles.
As part of their training, participants created an original post for IAM Union’s social media platforms.
