About the WiMEF
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Our Story
The Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation (WiMEF), a 501(c)(3) organization, was created in 2016 by the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) to design and develop training and educational programs that support the advancement and development of women at all levels of their manufacturing careers.
The Leadership Institute for Women in STEM & Manufacturing (formerly Leadership Lab), a partnership with Case Western Reserve University, was the first program developed and funded by WiMEF. The only program of its kind, it uniquely supports the advancement of executive women in manufacturing by providing women with powerful tools to propel their careers forward and remain competitive in male-dominated industries. The comprehensive curriculum is presented by world-class instructors on topics ranging from negotiation, to effective communication, to strategic management. The course also includes individualized executive coaching, 360-degree assessments and peer coaching, and an Emotional Social Competency Inventory (ESCI) assessment. The program is offered once each year, and is structured as two consecutive half-day sessions plus one 90-minute intersession each month from January to May. More than 115 women have graduated this program since 2017.
Launched in 2018 to support the unique professional development needs of new and aspiring managers, the Management Development Program (MDP) provides the skills new managers need to rise as organizational leaders. The MDP builds skills in fundamentals of leadership and management, human resources, diversity in the workplace, objective setting and delegation, effective business communications, finance, negotiation, and networking. The program includes two weeklong sessions featuring daily 90-minute virtual workshops facilitated by industry experts. The program also includes a facilitated DISC assessment with opportunities for peer learning and engagement. Now, with two cohorts offered each year, MDP has graduated over 100 women since 2016.
Empowering Women in Production (EWiP) is WiMEF's newest program. With more than 400 participants since the program launched in 2021, EWiP supports the professional development of shop-floor employees to make their next promotion more likely and happen more quickly. EWIP participants build core professional skills for success in manufacturing environments such as: problem-solving, coping skills, communication skills, efficiency and time management, team mentality, individual responsibility, leadership, customer service and safety orientation. The program takes place over 20 weeks at a participant's own pace through on-demand, online learning using recorded content from subject matter experts. EWiP participants also receive one-on-one career coaching from professional coaches and an individualized skills assessment. Due to high demand, the program is now being offered three times each year with class limits of 90 participants.
To provide year-round easy access to learning and inspiration, WiMEF launched the Virtual Learning Series (VLS) in 2016 to deliver live and on-demand learning on a variety of professional development and industry topics. The one-hour webinars are presented monthly featuring diverse subject matter experts on topics relevant to women leaders in their professional and personal lives. Webinars are recorded and saved in the Virtual Learning Library with unlimited availability for WiM members to view on their own time or as training / learning opportunities in the workplace. To date, more than 15,000 have registered for these learning sessions.
WiMEF continues to expand its resources and encourages companies and individuals passionate about providing access and opportunity to manufacturing women to consider becoming a donor and partner.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
WiMEF works toward a world in which a diverse and inclusive manufacturing sector offers equitable opportunities and rewarding careers for all people.
WiMEF is committed to a culture of inclusion that acknowledges and respects our differences while fostering a genuinely welcoming community where everyone belongs.
WiMEF is a safe and respectful environment for people of all genders and gender identities; all races and ethnicities; all cultures and religions; all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses; all sexual orientations; all ages; and all abilities.