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 organization and was the last Women’s Leadership class led by Julie Frietchen in her role as IAM Women’s & Young Worker’s Director before she transitions to 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 demand was high enough this year to create a waitlist, with participants traveling from both the United States and Canada.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to help IAM women strengthen their leadership skills and become more active in their workplaces and communities. Over the past three years, Frietchen has overseen the program and has also worked to mentor members in advancing gender equity within both the IAM and the broader labor movement.
During the week-long session, attendees participated in workshops on topics such as organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. These activities were intended to help participants develop skills and foster connections within the organization.
As part of the communications segment of the program, the class created a social media post for publication on IAM Union’s Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts.
