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 the final session under the leadership of Julie Frietchen, who has served as IAM Women’s & Young Worker’s Director and will soon take on the role of Director of the Winpisinger Center.
“It’s very exciting news that the numbers are growing every year in these programs,” said Frietchen. She mentioned that the class, which included participants from both the United States and Canada, reached capacity and had a waitlist.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to help IAM women develop their leadership abilities and become more active in their workplaces and communities. Frietchen has led the program for three years and has worked to promote gender equity within the union and the wider labor movement.
During the week-long session, attendees participated in workshops covering topics such as organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. The program also provided opportunities for networking and collaboration, supporting the union’s goal of increasing women’s representation and influence.
As part of a communications exercise, the class created a social media post for IAM Union’s Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts.
