The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently held its largest Women’s Leadership class to date at the Winpisinger Center. The event marked a milestone for the union, as it was the final 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,” Frietchen said. She also noted that there was a waitlist for the class, which included IAM women from both the United States and Canada.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to help IAM women develop leadership skills and strengthen their roles in the workplace and community. Frietchen has led the program for the past three years and has worked to mentor members and promote gender equity within the union and the wider labor movement.
During the weeklong program, participants attended workshops covering organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. The event also provided opportunities for networking and building connections, reinforcing the IAM’s commitment to ensuring women have a voice in workplace decisions.
As part of a communications exercise during the course, participants created an original post to be shared on IAM Union’s social media platforms.
