Presenters

Opening Keynote: Samantha Cole, Child Care Business Liaison, NC Department of Commerce

Panelist: "Creative Business Solutions" Jody Walker, Triumph

Panelist: "Creative Business Solutions" Racquelle Weaver, North State Aviation

Panelist: "Creative Business Solutions" La'Keisha Bowen, Corning

Panelist: "Creative Business Solutions" Amy Fitzhugh, Ziehl-Abegg

Let's Give Them Something to Talk About: Creating an Employee Experience Worth Sharing, Lynn Unsworth, Little Bay Company

Upskilling for Retention: How ITW Texwipe and NCEdge Built a Stronger Workforce, Tiffany Donelow and Dan Bryant, Texwipe, Forsyth Tech

Success Starts with You, Tara Bowman, General Insulation Co. Inc.

Cracking the Confidence Code: Insecurity and the Talent Crisis, Stephanie Rivera and Cassie Reed, Cook Medical

From Colleagues to Community: Three Tips for Building Your Professional Tribe Terri Cummings, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.

Zero to 250: Building a High-Skilled Workforce Amid a Talent Shortage, Samanta Garbenciene, SBA Home

Panelist: "Driving Workforce Development" Wes McGarry, Forsyth Tech

Panelist: "Driving Workforce Development" Bettina Akuwe, Alamance Community College

Panelist: "Driving Workforce Development" Laurie Bargebuhur, Guilford Technical Community College

Panelist: "Driving Workforce Development" Crystal Folger-Hawks, Surry Yadkin Works

Closing Keynote/Call to Action: Caroline Sullivan, Executive Director, NC Business Committee for Education

Women of Manufacturing Conference sponsored by Graham Personnel

There are no spaces available for this event.

1615 Miller Street

Description

Join Us for the Women of Manufacturing Conference, sponsored by Graham Personnel!

Click here to see more about our sponsor!

📅 Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025

🕒 Time: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Doors open at 8 a.m., registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the program will begin at 9 a.m.)

📍 Location: Robert L. Strickland Center, Rhoades Conference Center

Registration fee: $69

We are thrilled to announce the return of Forsyth Tech’s Annual Women of Manufacturing Conference, a unique and impactful gathering focused on empowering women in the manufacturing industry and addressing the sector’s most pressing workforce challenges.

This year’s theme—“The Talent Crisis”—will explore critical issues such as recruitment and retention, the demographic drought, and the childcare challenge. Through engaging sessions and meaningful conversations, attendees will gain new insights, share strategies, and build valuable connections within the manufacturing community. The conference will also provide dedicated opportunities to network with other professionals who are passionate about advancing the future of manufacturing.

Agenda:

8:30-9:00 Registration and Networking

9:00-9:30 Welcome and Overview of the Day

9:30-10:15 Opening Keynote: The Talent Crisis in North Carolina

10:30-11:15 Panel Discussion: Talent Solutions in Action: Creative Business Solutions

11:30-12:15 Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions 1

12:15-1:15 Lunch/Networking

1:15-2:00 Panel Discussion: Talent Solutions in Action: Driving Workforce Development

2:15-3:15 Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions 2

3:30-3:40 From Student to Employee: How to Recruit with Career Services

3:45-4:30 Closing Keynote and Call to Action

Upcoming Dates And Times

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Questions & Answers

Who should attend?

This event is open to:

Women currently working in or leading manufacturing organizations
Students and educators interested in manufacturing and technical careers
Employers, HR professionals, and workforce development partners
Community and industry leaders committed to solving the talent shortage

Whether you’re an industry veteran or exploring manufacturing as a career, this event offers valuable insights and connection

Where should I park?

Free parking is available on campus for all attendees. Signs will direct you to the lots CC2 and CC3 near the RLS Strickland Building. Accessible parking spaces are available close to the main entrance. Event staff and signage will help guide you upon arrival.

What should I wear?

Business casual attire is recommended. Many attendees wear company or program-branded apparel to represent their organization.