Schedule of Events

The schedule of events is continually updated. All times are in CST.
All events will be held at the McCormick Convention Center unless otherwise noted.
*Additional fee and registration required

Saturday, October 11, 2025

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Exhibitor Set-up

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

WiM Association Board Meeting (Invitation Only)

2:00  - 5:00 p.m. 

Early Check-In & Badge Pick-Up

We can’t wait to welcome you to the WiM SUMMIT! You’ll be able to pick up your badge during pre-registration on Saturday. 

Please note: tote bags and t-shirts will not be available on Saturday. Starting Sunday, you can pick up your tote bag and t-shirt on the Expo floor.

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Pathfinders: First-Timers Welcome & Kickstart Your Summit Experience

Facilitated by: WiM and Bolder Company

Is this your first WiM SUMMIT? Join us for a special program designed just for first-time attendees! Whether you’re arriving solo or with a small group, this pre-event session will help you feel connected, confident and ready for the days ahead.

 6:00 p.m.

Past and Current Board Member Dinner (invitation only)

Sunday, October 12, 2025 

 7:30 a.m. 

 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. 

Registration

WiM Expo

10:00 - 10:30 a.m. 

Opening Remarks
Presented by: Allison Grealis, President and Founder, Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM)

10:30 - 11:00 a.m. 

Opening Keynote: The Architecture of Authenticity
Presented by: Caroline A. Wanga, Co-Founder of WangaWoman & President & CEO of Essence Ventures

11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Keynote: Leadership Magic: Disney’s Timeless Approach
Presented by: Disney Institute 

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch & WiM Expo

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Community Service Project  | Cards of Encouragement

1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions
Breakout session topics will include: Professional Development, Personal Development, Technical, Sustainability, Innovation & Transformation, Allyship, Manufacturing Business Trends, Strategic Leadership, Workforce Development

1. Betting on the Future: Taking Smart Risks to Drive Innovation in Operations
Joanna Hicks, SVP, HelloFresh
Sheila Stafford, CEO, TeamSense

2. Mindful Leadership in Manufacturing: The Power of Wellness for a Fulfilling Career
Yirla Morehead, Senior Director World Class Supply Chain, Molson Coors Beverage Company

3. Expand Your Collaboration Toolkit
Carol Lucas, Founder, Frame The Discussion LLC

4. Panel: How to Show Up and Make Your Mark—Where Passion Meets Purpose!
 Carole Murray, Vice President Operations 787 Program, Boeing
Kim Howard, Vice President of BDS Manufacturing and Safety, Boeing
Darrel Larson, Vice President Operations - 777/777X Program, Boeing
Kristina Mauger, 787 Midbody Senior Director, Boeing
James Dewees, Vice President of Manufacturing & Safety Air Dominance, Boeing

5. Developing an ESG Program
Madeleine Davis, ESG/Supply Chain Manager, Westfall Technik

6. Metrics Driven Manufacturing, A Workshop for Operational Excellence
Amy Knust, Partner, Technology Consulting, Eide Bailly
Melissa Lanoue, Director, Eide Bailly LLP

7. Panel: Achieve. Lead. Succeed: How the WiM Education Foundation Shapes Talent and Sustains Leaders
Moderator: Laura Wilde, Vice President of Quality, ULTRA Maritime

Panelists: Alana Lesnansky, Program Specialist, WiM Education Foundation
Jessica Scott, Talent Management Professional, Johns Manville,
Hillary Kline, Press Manager, Printpack, Inc
Melanie Bennett, Marketing Manager, ALM Positioners, Inc.

8. Executive Roundtable (Invitation Only)
Facilitated by: Allison Roberts Grealis, President and Founder, Women in Manufacturing

9. The Psychology of Communicating in Male Dominated Industries
Hannah Burns Dunham, Business Owner & Consultant, Climbing Trees Consulting, LLC
Sponsored by: Climbing Trees Consulting, LLC

10. AI-Powered Cost Efficiency in Manufacturing
Eddie Polce, Director Solution Consulting, ServiceNow
Sponsored by: ServiceNow

2:00 - 2:45 p.m. 

Breakout Sessions
Breakout session topics will include: Professional Development, Personal Development, Technical, Sustainability, Innovation & Transformation, Allyship, Manufacturing Business Trends, Strategic Leadership, Workforce Development

1. Building Better Lives: Advancing Equity through Fair Chance Hiring at JBM Packaging
Jacqueline Cooley, Leader of Learning and Development, JBM Packaging

2. Scaling Automation: Making Robotics Accessible for Small & Mid-Sized Manufacturers
Morgan Chang, Sales Engineer, Standard Bots

3. Nuts, Bolts, and Beyond: Trends Transforming Manufacturing
Kendra Blacksher, Audit Partner and Senior Industrials Analyst, RSM US LLP

4. The “Not Yet” Season – What to Do When Goals and Aspirations Are Not Immediately Realized
Sarah Caccese, Technical Consultant, Rockwell Automation

5. When the World Won’t Stop Asking for More: Mental Load and the Art of Boundaries
Ashley Andersen, CEO & Founder, EzraSage

6. Panel: How Did I Get Here? My Unintentional Career in Manufacturing
Moderator: Lauren Espin, Communications Director, Internal, Siemens USA | Assistant Producer, Optimistic Outlook Podcast

Panelists: Sidra Maryam, Manufacturing Systems Manager, Siemens
Anna Bumpious, Engineering Manager, Siemens
Cheryl Kiolbassa, Director, Digital Transformation Solutions, Siemens

7. Building Your Executive Presence (and Why it Matters)
Angela Sams, Purchasing Analyst, Toyota

8. Protective Equipment in the Workplace: The Anthropometry of Women's PPE
Jana Gessner, Senior Vice President - Environmental, Health, and Safety, PepsiCo

2:30 - 4:00 p.m

Second City Improv Supported by the WiMEF *
Meagan O’Brien, Facilitator, Second City Works
Butch Jerinic, Facilitator, Second City Works

3:00 - 5:00 p.m. 

WiM Expo

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. 

Welcome Reception | Make Your Mark at the WiM SUMMIT Networking Reception!
Join us for a night of fun, flair and fearless vibes as we channel the trailblazing spirit of legends like Amelia Earhart, Annie Oakley, Sally Ride, and Katharine Johnson. Whether you throw on a bomber jacket, rock a western hat or just show up with bold energy, it’s all about celebrating those who made their mark — and those of us making ours now.

6:30 - 7:30  p.m. 

Young Professionals Reception (pre-registration required)
Rising young professionals are encouraged to attend this one-hour private reception designed to support networking, peer mentoring and growing industry connections.

6:30 - 8:00  p.m. 

VIP Reception (Invitation Only)

7:30 - 9:30  p.m. 

Owner's Reception
Two-hour private reception exclusively for owners of manufacturing companies. Details on invitation.
Hosted and sponsored by CLA and co-sponsored by Robinson+Cole.

Monday, October 13, 2025 

7:30 a.m.

Registration Open

7:30 - 8:30 a.m. 

Breakfast

7:30 - 9:00 a.m. 

WiM Expo

9:00 - 9:40 a.m. 

Opening Remarks and Hall of Fame Celebration
Presented by: Allison Grealis, President and Founder, Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM)

9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Plant Tour: TRUMPF Smart Factory Chicago (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Plant Tour: Pioneer Service Inc + M&M Quality Grinding, Inc. (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

Plant Tour: Chicago Glue & Machine (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

Plant Tour: Hoffer Plastics (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Keynote: Leading Through Generational Change: Strategies for a Multigenerational Workforce
Presented by: Marcie Merriman, Cultural Anthropologist & Global Expert on Generational Dynamics and Societal Change

10:00 a.m.  - 3:00  p.m. 

Plant Tour: Spraying Systems (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

11:00 - 11:45 a.m. 

Breakout Sessions
Breakout session topics will include: Professional Development, Personal Development, Technical, Sustainability, Innovation & Transformation, Allyship, Manufacturing Business Trends, Strategic Leadership, Workforce Development

1. The Future of AI on the Factory Floor
Belinda Vogel, Research Engagement Manager, Georgia Tech Renewable Bioproducts Institute

2. Build Your Brand: An Introspective Workshop
Heidi DeMello, Senior Vice President Supply Chain, Blount Fine Foods

3. Leading Through the Noise: Clear Communication in Manufacturing
Heather Heefner, Owner, Dart Communication

4.  Inclusion Academy
Michelle Somers, Sr. Director, Operations, AMGEN
Suchitra Konduri, Director, Operations, AMGEN
Janet Miranda Figueroa, Sr. Manager Supply Chain, AMGEN

5. Sustainable Profits: How Additive Manufacturing Drives Both Sustainability and the Bottom Line
Kristin Mulherin, Director, Additive Manufacturing Technology, Hubbell

6. Flexibility for Manufacturing Frontline Labor: A Skills-Based Approach
Rahil Siddiqui, Founder & CEO, Wilya

11:00 a.m. - 2:30  p.m. 

Plant Tour: G&W Electric (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

11:00 a.m. -  2:45 p.m.

WiM Owners Track Exclusive Session  - Learn More

From Grit to Growth: A Forum for Private Owners (By invitation only, lunch included)
Facilitated and sponsored by CLA
Panelist: Molly Kellogg, Chairman, CEO and President of Hubbard-Hall Inc.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. 

Lunch

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Plant Tour: Shure Incorporated (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

1:00 - 1:45 p.m. 

Breakout Sessions
Breakout session topics will include: Professional Development, Personal Development, Technical, Sustainability, Innovation & Transformation, Allyship, Manufacturing Business Trends, Strategic Leadership, Workforce Development

1. Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women through Self-Promotion
Meaghan Sweet, Sr Manager, Supply Chain Programs, Amazon.com LLC

2. Empowering Women to Lead in Manufacturing: Steps to Assume Leadership Roles
Natalie Hall, Senior Business Management Specialist, ERG Leader - Women’s Interactive Network,Airbus

3. From Plant Floor to Profit: Aligning Manufacturing Tech to Business Outcomes
Arthi Sairaman, CEO, MTAB USA Inc 

4. Leading a Plant Transformation: Unlocking the Potential of the People for Operational Success
Brynn Holmes, Global Operations Director, Pharma Excipients, Kerry

5. Building Belonging Beyond the Desk: ERG, Communication, and Engagement Support for Deskless Workers
Cristina Graziano, VP, Business Development, Taylor Corporation
Samantha Soupir, Product/Brand Manager,Taylor Corporation
Tabatha Willis, Training Specialist, Taylor Corporation 
Terri Taylor, HR Project Manager, Taylor Corporation 

6. Allies in Action: A Siemens Story of Mentorship and Advocacy
Facilitator: Forrest Large, Owner, L2 Learning and Development

Panelists: Michelle Mathis, Sr Sales Operations Professional, Siemens
Barry Powell, President/Regional CEO, Siemens 

7. The International Women’s Network: Inspiring Global Connections
Facilitator: Rosalyn Wallace, Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development, Magna International

Panelists: Jana Gessner, Senior Vice President - Environmental, Health, and Safety, PepsiCo 
Blanca Morales, Training & Development Supt., AFL
Kate Leiby, GM Power Generation, Donaldson

8. Exploring Your Personal Brand from the Inside Out
Michele Downie, Marketing Manager, American Crane and Equipment Corp.

2:00 - 2:45 p.m. 

Breakout Sessions
Breakout session topics will include: Professional Development, Personal Development, Technical, Sustainability, Innovation & Transformation, Allyship, Manufacturing Business Trends, Strategic Leadership, Workforce Development

1. Mastering Everyday Negotiations: Strategies for Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Personal Success
Sandra Lutzow, Manager SCI & CI, Large Tractor, John Deere
Ashlee Tott, Commodity Manager, Hydraulics, John Deere

2. Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Your Unique Path in Manufacturing
Gowri Narsimhamurthy, VP Key Account Management Nonwovens, Henkel
Loan Ngo, VP Quality, Henkel
Kowana Chisolm, Water Base Production Manager, Henkel
Claudia Ramirez-Wade, Staff Engineer, Henkel
Amy Athmann, Manager HR, Henkel
Elizabeth Black, Sr. Manager, Employer Reputation, Henkel

3. Progressive EQ: An Actionable Approach to Building Emotional Intelligence for Manufacturing Leaders
Gloriana Teh, Founder & Principal, Claritas Consulting & Coaching

4. Reshoring - De-Risk and Increase Your Supply Chain Resilience
Rosemary Coates, Executive Director, Reshoring Institute 

5. Harnessing Introverted Strengths: Thriving as an Authentic Leader in Manufacturing
Alanna Abreu, Consulting Principal, UHY Advisory, Inc

6. Tech It Up a Notch: Tips for Building an AI or Smart Manufacturing Strategy
Amy Julian, Partner, Armanino 
Carmel Wynkoop, Partner in-Charge AI, Analytics & Automation, Armanino 

7. Breaking Barriers: Protecting the Manufacturing Digital Landscape
Kelly Dye, Sr Director, IT, Ingersoll Rand
Sherri Leach, Deputy CISO, Ingersoll Rand

8. Beyond the Basics: Honest Reflections on Allyship
Moderator: Forrest Large, Owner, L2 Learning and Development

Panelists: Christopher Porsch, Sales Director – North and Central America, Blaser
Keith Bechtum, Vice President, Mobile Solutions, Donaldson,
Montez King, Executive Director, NIMS

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. 

WiM Expo

2:45 - 4:15 p.m.

Second City Improv Supported by the WiMEF *
Meagan O’Brien, Facilitator, Second City Works
Butch Jerinic, Facilitator, Second City Works

3:00 - 3:45 p.m. 

Breakout Sessions
Breakout session topics will include: Professional Development, Personal Development, Technical, Sustainability, Innovation & Transformation, Allyship, Manufacturing Business Trends, Strategic Leadership, Workforce Development

1. From Resistance to Resilience: Mastering Leadership in Change
Tracy Kosiarek, Principal Consultant, Zinata Inc.

2. From Doer to Leader: Navigating Your Path to Leadership
Gabrielle Rossi, Service, Materials & Logistics Manager, Avery Dennison

3. Sustainability in Action: Engaging Employees at Every Level
Moderator: Dr. Susan D Emmerich, Manufacturing Talent Programs & Sustainability Consultant; BASF, Board Member, Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation

Panelists: Claire Barrett, Sr. Production Engineer, BASF
Suzanne Goebel, Director, Maintenance and Turnarounds, BASF
Christen Campbell, Sr. Director of Energy, Site Development and Utilities for North America and Geismar Sites, BASF 

4. Advancing Women in MFG: Driving Personal, Community, and Industry Transformation
Moderator: Catherine (Cat) Ross, Director of Community Engagement, AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology

Panelists: Jela Trask, VP, Membership and External Relations, MxD USA
Suzy Teele,Chief Strategy Officer, ARM Institute
Emily Molstad, CEO & Founder, Valis
Erin Rushing, Events and Outreach Specialist, NIST/Manufacturing USA
Julie Lenzer, Chief Innovation Officer, ARMI | BioFabUSA

5. Future-proof Your Workforce with AI-powered Knowledge Management
Allison Kuhn, Research Analyst, LNS Research 

6. Owners Track: Leveraging 80/20 for Strategic Success
Val Laufenberg, Principal, National Manufacturing Advisory Leader, BDO USA
Facilitated and sponsored by BDO

7. The Confident Decision Maker
Shawna Baker, Former Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice; Managing Attorney, Family Legacy & Wealth Counsel, PLL

4:45 - 6:15 p.m.

Second City Improv Supported by the WiMEF *
Meagan O’Brien, Facilitator, Second City Work
Butch Jerinic, Facilitator, Second City Works

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Hall of Fame Inductee and Ally Award Winner Private Dinner (Invitation Only)

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

7:30 - 8:30 a.m. 

7:30 - 8:30 a.m. 

Breakfast

WiM Expo

8:30 - 8:45 a.m. 

Day Three Welcome
Presented by: Danielle Schneider, National Board of Directors Chair, Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) and Applications Engineer – Programs and Prototypes, Pridgeon & Clay

8:45 - 9:15 a.m. 

Fireside Chat:  The Urgency of the Underrepresentation of Women, and What We Can All Do About It
Presented by:  Frédérique Irwin, President and CEO, National Women's History Museum and Allison Roberts Grealis, President and Founder, Women in Manufacturing Association

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Plant Tour: PepsiCo (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Community Service Project | Greater Chicago Food Depository  (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

Participate in our community service initiative by volunteering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Volunteers will assist in repackaging food into portions for allocation to local organizations.

9:30 - 10:15 a.m. 

Breakout Sessions
Breakout session topics will include: Professional Development, Personal Development, Technical, Sustainability, Innovation & Transformation, Allyship, Manufacturing Business Trends, Strategic Leadership, Workforce Development

1. Matching Employer Needs & Employee Expectations: A Data-Driven Perspective
Kelly Keefe, President and CEO, ERC

2. Supporting the Modern Workforce: Creating Inclusive Policies for Working Parents and Caregivers
Sarah Wells, CEO and Founder, Sarah Wells Brand
Nicholle Walter, Sr. Network System Engineer, John Deere

3. Courageous Conflict: Managing Difficult Personalities and Workplace Struggles
Dr. Donna Marino PsyD, Family Business TrustedAdvisor/Consultant/Psychologist, Donna Marino PsyD 

4. Fueling the Leadership Pipeline: The Power of Early Career Rotational Programs
Kara Roeder, Divisional Vice President, Operations, Pharmavite
Lucy Knapke, ACE Engineer, Team Lead Tableting, Pharmavite
Lauren J. Higgins, Human Resources Business Partner, Pharmavite
Kiwanda L. Stansbury, Pharmavite

5. Transform Your Workforce: Insider Secrets from GE Appliances on Boosting Diversity and Retention
Tami Hatfield, Executive Director of Human Resources, GE Appliances

6. The Trade Agenda in the Second Trump Administration
Brooke Ringel, Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Melissa Brewer, Special Counsel, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

7. 2026 Manufacturing Outlook
Jennifer Clement, Client Relationship Leader, CLA

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Plant Tour: Ozinga (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

10:30 - 11:15 a.m. 

Breakout Sessions
Breakout session topics will include: Professional Development, Personal Development, Technical, Sustainability, Innovation & Transformation, Allyship, Manufacturing Business Trends, Strategic Leadership, Workforce Development

1. Why Success Begins on the Production Floor
Kelly Harris, Chandler Site Manager, Air Products and Chemicals INC.

2. Nurture Every Generation in the Workplace: A Panel Discussion
Keri McCarthy, Business Lead of Sales and Marketing, DISHER

3. Investing in Relationships: Building Your Board of Advisors
Michelle Settecase, VP, Kind Enterprises 

4. Unleashing Productivity: Essential Meeting Mechanics for High-Performing Teams
Rebekah Johnson, Process Improvement Manager, Blue Diamond Growers

5. Building a New Way of Working through Innovation and Trust in Technology
Tiffany Brewer, Sr Industry Strategies Director, Blue Yonder

6. The Psychology of Fashion: Discovering Success and Wellbeing
Valerie Mayén, Owner/Founder/Lead Designer, Yellowcake Shop Clothing

7. Making Child Care a Win-Win: 45F Tax Credit, Employee Engagement, and your Bottom Line
Moderator: Meredith Lipnick, Director of Private Sector Strategy, Moms First

Panelists: Cyntia Perez Juarez, Director of Operation Quality, Bosch USA
Carissa Messick, Vice President, Benefits Solutions, KinderCare
Sara McLeod, Head of Global Compensation, Whirlpool Corp

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Closing Keynote: Leading Boldly: Making Your Mark in Manufacturing
Presented by: Becky Crane, Vice President, Manufacturing & Engineering, General Mills

12:00 p.m. 

Closing Remarks
Announcement of SUMMIT 2026 location

1:00- 4:30 p.m.

Plant Tour: Carlson Labs (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

12:30- 5:00 p.m.

Plant Tour: Siemens (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

1:00- 5:00 p.m.

Plant Tour: Factor75, LLC (a HelloFresh brand) (Prior registration required, limited capacity)

Schedule subject to change