The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently held its largest Women’s Leadership class at the Winpisinger Center. This session marks a milestone for the union, as it is the biggest group of women participants in the program’s history.
Julie Frietchen, IAM Women’s & Young Worker’s Director, led the session for the last time before transitioning to her new role as Director of the Winpisinger Center. Frietchen commented on the growth of the program, saying, “It’s very exciting news that the numbers are growing every year in these programs.” She also noted that there was a waitlist for this class, which included IAM women from across the United States and Canada.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to empower and educate female IAM members to enhance their leadership skills and influence within their workplaces and communities. Frietchen has guided the program for three years and has worked to mentor members toward advancing gender equity both within IAM and the wider labor movement.
During the week-long session, participants attended workshops covering organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. The program also fostered connections among participants and reaffirmed IAM’s commitment to ensuring women are represented and have a voice in shaping workplace policies.
As part of a communications exercise, attendees created an original post for IAM Union’s social media platforms on Facebook and X (Twitter).
