Manufacturing isn’t just about machines and materials — it’s about people. And increasingly, it’s about women.
This October, the College of Lake County (CLC) is leveraging Manufacturing Month to celebrate the contributions of women who help to reimagine and reshape what a career in manufacturing can look like. From the production floor to the design lab, women are taking on leading roles in an industry that’s more innovative, inclusive and dynamic than ever before.
Correcting the Narrative
Manufacturing has long been viewed as a male-dominated industry. But that’s changing — especially in our region. According to 2024 Lightcast data, women represent 42% of Lake County’s manufacturing workforce, outpacing the state average by a full 10 percentage points. Thanks to shifts in technology, workplace culture and education, women are finding new pathways into high-tech, high-skill manufacturing careers. And they’re bringing fresh perspectives that are critical to the industry’s future.
How do we shift the outdated perception of manufacturing as a male-dominated industry to reflect the growing presence of women today? Raising awareness is crucial; not only to change commonly held views, but also to recruit more women into the field.
“We need to change the stereotypical images of manufacturing,” says Debbie Scott, HR & Safety Manager at LMT Onsrud. “There are new opportunities in manufacturing and diverse teams bring more perspectives and creativity. To solve the labor and skills gap, we must show the next generation that women belong—and thrive—here.”
To shine a spotlight on progress and encourage more women to explore manufacturing careers, CLC is hosting a Women in Manufacturing Panel on Tuesday, October 21 from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan. This engaging event, moderated by Scott, will feature professionals from across the industry sharing their stories, how they got started, what challenges they’ve overcome and why they believe manufacturing offers some of the most exciting career opportunities today.
CLC Industrial Technology instructor Katia Maya will be one of the panelists at this year’s event. As a former lab specialist and graduate of the Industrial Technology program, she transitioned to a full-time faculty member this semester. In this new role, Maya is eager to empower other women and make an impact on the talent of tomorrow.
“I hope to inspire women to consider a future in manufacturing or help open their eyes to the possibilities that are out there,” shares Maya. “It motivates me, as I can be someone that other women look at and feel represented and driven to do the same.”
Whether you’re a student exploring your options, a job seeker looking for a new direction or simply curious about where manufacturing is headed, don’t miss this panel discussion.
Guiding the Future
Women in the manufacturing industry often take on mentorship roles, using their platform and lived experience to inspire young women to pursue manufacturing pathways. Kimberly Wimer, Human Resource Manager at Weller Metalworks, is passionate about this work. Through her leadership role and service on numerous boards and committees, including her position as an inaugural member of CLC’s Manufacturing Alliance Executive Committee, she is paving the way for the next generation of women in manufacturing.
“My presence on the Manufacturing Alliance Executive Committee is an opportunity to mentor the young women in our community and stress the importance inside of our county’s educational system to expose students to careers in manufacturing,” says Wimer. “As a woman in manufacturing working to build our workforce, I’m committed to be present and available for these young women to see the fulfillment and satisfaction that can come from a career in manufacturing.”
Wimer is proof that women have earned a seat at the table and she predicts the industry is on an upward trajectory.
“I believe we are going to see a large transformation in the next decade and the population of women leaders in manufacturing is going to experience rapid growth. This is a collaborative effort, and the momentum needs to continue.”
The future of manufacturing is diverse, forward-thinking and full of possibility. And women will be key to leading the charge.
More to Celebrate
The Women in Manufacturing Panel is just one highlight of CLC’s month-long celebration. Throughout October, they’re hosting a number of events to give you an in-depth look at the cutting-edge world of modern manufacturing.
Don’t miss the Latinx in Manufacturing Pop-Up on October 1, a drop-in event connecting attendees with Latinx professionals and hands-on career exploration focused on modern manufacturing.
On October 2, dive into global tech-manufacturing dynamics at Apple in China: Lessons in Manufacturing, Scale and Strategy, featuring a virtual appearance from Financial Times correspondent and best-selling author Patrick McGee. Event sponsored by Old National Bank and Lake County Partners.
Looking for career opportunities? The Manufacturing Career and Internship Fair on October 24 offers a chance to meet top employers and discover pathways in manufacturing.
Explore all these events and more in CLC’s full news release.