Women in Manufacturing Association Announces Fifth Annual Moms in MFG Virtual Conference for May 2025, Offering Critical Support for Working Parents in the Industry
In a significant step forward for inclusivity and workforce support in manufacturing, the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) has officially announced the return of its highly anticipated Moms in MFG Conference. Now in its fifth year, this hallmark event will take place virtually on May 8, 2025, continuing its mission to empower parents and caregivers in the manufacturing workforce. What began as a one-day conference has grown into a robust year-round initiative dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by caregivers—especially mothers—in one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy.
The 2025 Moms in MFG Conference, presented by Southwire, will build on the success of past years while introducing new speakers, expanded content, and interactive programming—all accessible from the convenience of a virtual platform. As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve in response to demographic shifts, technological advancements, and changing workforce expectations, the need for support systems tailored to parents and caregivers has never been more critical.
Championing a Better Balance for Working Caregivers
“Caregivers in manufacturing face real challenges when it comes to balancing their responsibilities at home and on the job,” said Allison Grealis, President and Founder of the Women in Manufacturing Association. “The Moms in MFG Conference is designed to provide practical strategies, tools, and a strong support system to help them navigate those challenges. By connecting caregivers with peers and resources, we’re helping to create workplaces where they can succeed both personally and professionally.”
Grealis has been at the helm of WiM since its inception, and under her leadership, the organization has grown into a global force, with more than 33,000 individual members and 540 corporate partners across all 50 states and more than 70 countries. Her emphasis on addressing the often-overlooked concerns of working parents in manufacturing has positioned the Moms in MFG initiative as a game-changing platform for progress.
The upcoming event represents more than just a gathering; it is a culmination of WiM’s sustained focus on advocacy, peer support, and thought leadership in the space of gender equity and caregiver inclusion. As more manufacturers recognize the importance of retaining skilled talent and reducing turnover among working parents, programs like Moms in MFG are increasingly being viewed as essential components of long-term workforce development strategies.
A Packed Program with Real-World Impact
This year’s conference will feature an exciting and diverse lineup of sessions designed to resonate with caregivers in every phase of their professional and personal journeys. The virtual format ensures that participants—many of whom juggle tightly packed schedules—can attend from any location and tailor their experience to their needs.
Among the headline speakers is Marti Bledsoe, Founder of a’parently and Principal/Associate Marketing and Communications Director at The Ohio State University. Her keynote presentation will explore how professionals can confidently navigate career breaks due to caregiving responsibilities—whether short- or long-term—and reenter the workforce with renewed purpose and resilience. Bledsoe, herself a seasoned marketer and working parent, brings deep personal and professional insight to the conversation.
Another featured session includes a presentation by Melissa Kay Boom, an executive at Winnebago Industries, who will speak on the power of building and sustaining support networks for working parents in the manufacturing sector. Her talk will address both institutional approaches and grassroots strategies to help caregivers find connection, strength, and shared resources in often-isolated roles.
Attendees will also benefit from an interactive workshop led by Dr. Devon Madon, Co-Owner of Madon Sheet Metal, focusing on overcoming impostor syndrome—an internalized sense of self-doubt and unworthiness that affects a significant portion of the workforce, particularly among working mothers. Dr. Madon’s session will emphasize tools for self-recognition, confidence building, and advocating for one’s value within a manufacturing organization.
A highlight of the agenda is a panel discussion featuring mothers working at PepsiCo, who will share candid insights on work-life integration, career growth strategies, and their personal “mom hacks” for making daily responsibilities more manageable. The session aims to offer participants not only inspiration, but also applicable techniques they can put into action right away.
Filling a Critical Gap in Industry Support
What makes the Moms in MFG Conference especially notable is the way it addresses issues that have long been underrepresented in industry discourse. While manufacturing has made strides in areas such as automation, digital transformation, and sustainability, conversations around parental support and inclusive policy have often lagged behind. WiM is working to close that gap.
In recent years, the U.S. manufacturing workforce has become more diverse, with women now comprising nearly 30% of all employees, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of these women are also parents or primary caregivers—a reality that requires organizations to rethink how they approach employee support and flexibility.
The need for child care assistance, equitable parental leave policies, job-sharing opportunities, remote work accommodations, and empathetic leadership is growing. And while some large manufacturers have begun to implement progressive programs, many small and mid-sized firms still struggle to identify where to begin. Events like Moms in MFG serve as a vital resource, giving companies a blueprint for actionable change and giving working parents the tools they need to thrive.
“This event is for anyone who has ever felt the pull between being a dedicated parent and a committed professional,” said Grealis. “It’s also for the companies who want to retain top talent by making sure their employees don’t have to choose between work and family.”
A Year-Round Community, Not Just a One-Day Event
While the annual conference is a major focal point, Moms in MFG is much more than a once-a-year gathering. WiM has developed the initiative into an ongoing community that offers programming, peer groups, and online resources throughout the year. This includes webinars, mentoring opportunities, downloadable toolkits, and access to a thriving community of professionals who share similar life experiences.
One popular feature is the Moms in MFG online forum, where members can exchange advice, seek encouragement, and share resources related to parenting, time management, health, and career development. The platform allows participants to stay connected between events and fosters a deep sense of camaraderie that is rare in more traditional industry groups.
Additionally, WiM has introduced Moms in MFG Meet-Ups—regional networking events held in various cities across the U.S.—to facilitate in-person support and connections. These events allow caregivers to meet face-to-face, share stories, and build professional networks that last far beyond a single Zoom call or conference session.
Sponsorship and Industry Backing
The continued support from Southwire as the presenting sponsor has been critical in elevating the reach and impact of the conference. A leading manufacturer of wire and cable used in the transmission and distribution of electricity, Southwire is known for its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and workplace inclusion.
“Southwire’s ongoing sponsorship reflects a growing trend of manufacturers actively investing in their workforce by supporting inclusion-focused initiatives,” said Grealis. “They understand that helping working parents succeed is not only the right thing to do—it’s a smart business strategy.”
Past sponsors and partners have included companies such as Arconic, Rockwell Automation, GE Appliances, and BASF, reflecting broad industry recognition of the initiative’s importance.
Registration Now Open
Registration is now officially open for the 2025 Moms in MFG Virtual Conference. With flexible pricing tiers and access options designed to meet participants where they are—whether they’re attending from the factory floor, a home office, or between shifts—the event promises to be one of the most impactful yet.
To register or view the full agenda, including session descriptions and speaker bios, visit the Moms in MFG event webpage. Interested parties can also email events@womeninmfg.org for additional information, group registrations, or sponsorship inquiries.
About the Women in Manufacturing Association
Founded in 2011, the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) is the only national and global trade association solely dedicated to supporting women in the manufacturing sector. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, WiM now boasts more than 33,000 individual members and over 540 corporate partners. The organization offers year-round programming including professional development workshops, leadership training, networking events, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Membership is open to individuals of all genders working in or with the manufacturing industry—from shop floor workers to C-suite executives, and from engineers to marketers. WiM’s mission is simple but powerful: to support, promote, and inspire women in manufacturing careers.
With its bold programming like the Moms in MFG Conference, WiM continues to lead the charge in redefining what it means to build a manufacturing workforce that is not only skilled and competitive, but also inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.
