Women in Manufacturing: Insights from the Utah Manufacturers Association Lace Up + Lead Conference

Women in Manufacturing: Insights from the Utah Manufacturers Association Lace Up + Lead Conference

This was my second year attending the Utah Manufacturers Association Women in Manufacturing event, and I can confidently say each year gets better.

When I was asked to deliver the Morning Keynote, I was both thrilled and honored to be part of the lineup for the day. Being included in a conference centered on women in manufacturing, leadership, workforce development, and industry impact is something I do not take lightly.

This was also the first time I have ever presented to a female-dominated audience, with supportive male allies in the room, about women’s impact in manufacturing. As I prepared, I wanted to make sure my message was pro-women while also being respectful of the wonderful and supportive men I have learned and grown with throughout my career. That balance mattered to me because meaningful progress in manufacturing happens when people grow, lead, and build together.

UMA captured a recap of the day here:
https://manufacturingutah.com/200-laced-up-and-connected/

Manufacturing Trends: The Data Behind Women’s Growth in the Industry

As I was preparing and researching for the keynote, I found some important and impressive data that added credibility and impact to what many of us are already seeing firsthand across the manufacturing industry.

• Women now make up approximately 30% of the U.S. manufacturing workforce, and that number continues to grow
• In Utah, women represent one of the fastest-growing talent segments in manufacturing and skilled trades
• Industries such as construction, aerospace, and food manufacturing are seeing continued growth in female participation and leadership
• Organizations with more diverse leadership teams often perform better in innovation, employee engagement, and long-term business success

These numbers reinforce a larger truth. Women are not just entering manufacturing, they are helping shape its future. The manufacturing workforce is evolving, and women in leadership are driving that shift through collaboration, innovation, resilience, and perspective.

A First: Speaking on Women’s Leadership in Manufacturing

This was the first time I’ve presented to a predominantly female audience on women’s impact in manufacturing leadership.

And I wanted to be intentional.

Pro-women, yes.
But also respectful of the men who have supported, challenged, and helped shape my career.

Because strong industries are not built in silos. They are built through collaboration, mentorship, and shared growth.

1 | Women Are Driving Impact in Manufacturing

Women are not just entering manufacturing. They are influencing how it evolves.

We are seeing this impact in how teams collaborate, how leaders communicate, and how organizations think about culture and performance.

This shift is helping modernize the manufacturing workplace and elevate how organizations operate.

2 | Leadership in Manufacturing Is Evolving

There is no longer a single definition of a manufacturing leader.

Today’s leaders bring technical expertise, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and a people-first mindset.

The most effective leaders show up with authenticity, vulnerability, and a willingness to grow. Those qualities are shaping the next generation of manufacturing leadership.

3 | Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone

A consistent message throughout the conference was simple. Say yes.

Say yes to the opportunity that feels slightly out of reach.
Say yes to the project that feels complex or unclear.
Say yes to the role that challenges your confidence.

Growth does not come from staying comfortable. It comes from stepping forward anyway.

4 | Manufacturing Culture Is a Competitive Advantage

One of the most important trends in manufacturing today is the focus on company culture and employee experience.

Organizations that are succeeding are investing in their people, creating environments where employees feel respected and valued, and building strong, collaborative teams.

When that happens, the outcome is clear. Better work, better projects, stronger teams, and stronger results.

5 | Utah Manufacturing Is Leading the Way

The Utah Manufacturer's Association is leading the charge when it comes to advancing women in manufacturing, workforce development, and leadership opportunities in Utah.

They are innovating. They are asking what if and how might we. They are creating space for meaningful conversations and elevating the people who are helping move this industry forward.

Through initiatives like the ForgeHER Awards, they celebrate their partners and highlight tremendous talent across the industry. It was an honor to be among these women and to learn what each of them has contributed to her organization, community, and the broader manufacturing industry.

What is especially exciting is that UMA continues to invest in this momentum with the new ForgeHER Confidence to Lead Series:

6 | The Power of Connection

Beyond the keynote, breakout sessions, and industry insights, one of the most meaningful parts of the day was the energy in the room.

The day was filled with respect, empowerment, talent, sharing, laughter, and new connections.

At Cottonwood, all of the women on our team were invited to attend. It gave us the opportunity to step outside of our four walls, learn through different breakout sessions, explore new ideas, and then come back together to share what we learned.

Following the event, it has been fun to hear the takeaways and emotional connection our team had. That shared experience brings new ideas back into the business, strengthens connection, and turns insight into action.

Final Thoughts

Women in manufacturing are not just part of the story. They are helping write what comes next.

They are shaping leadership, culture, innovation, and the future of the manufacturing industry.

Organizations like the Utah Manufacturer's Association are accelerating that progress and creating meaningful opportunities for women to grow, lead, and make an impact.

For me, this year was more than attending.

It was about contributing, learning, connecting, and continuing to build something bigger together.

Because when we invest in people, culture, and leadership, we do more than grow companies. We elevate the entire manufacturing industry.

Here’s to building + growing our industry together…

Kari

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