“She Leads.” Building and Empowering Female Leaders in Manufacturing
For years, manufacturing has been a male-dominated industry. Even though there are certainly more guys than gals in a typical CNC machine shop, the tides are changing as more and more women are entering our field. As employers, it’s our responsibility to welcome this eager pool of talent, not only to solve our own workforce gaps, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.
One initiative that’s been making a significant impact in our region is “She Leads. Women Driving Manufacturing.” This program, created within the Kansas City chapter of NTMA, brings women together that all have two major things in common:
They work in the manufacturing industry.
They’re passionate about growing their careers, expanding their networks, and building a community based on support and encouragement.
When Sheryl, KCSP Machine’s office manager, learned about “She Leads,” she immediately got involved, and her experience has been nothing short of fantastic. That’s why, rather than highlighting our precision machining services, we’d like to use this space this Women’s History Month to highlight “She Leads,” a program that is making such a difference in empowering female leaders in manufacturing.
The Vision Behind “She Leads.”
“She Leads.” was spearheaded by Katherine O’Toole, Executive Director of Kansas City NTMA, who recognized a discrepancy. While the national Women in Manufacturing movement has gained traction as a valuable resource, there wasn’t a dedicated local network for women in the Kansas City region.
Understanding the importance of mentorship, education, and networking, she launched “She Leads.” to provide a supportive community where women in all areas of manufacturing could come together, grow, and lead.
Since its inception, “She Leads.” has received overwhelmingly positive feedback and continues to grow in strength.
Who Is “She Leads.” For?
The answer is simple: “She Leads” is for women in all manufacturing roles. All are welcome whether they work on the shop floor or in engineering, marketing, operations, or management. The program’s inclusivity has created a diverse community where women can share experiences, exchange ideas, and help each other succeed.
But the group isn’t just about mentoring each other—it’s about shaping the next generation of women in manufacturing. In April, “She Leads." will open its doors to high school-aged young women, introducing them to careers in manufacturing through shop tours, leadership discussions, and interactive Q&A panels featuring female industry leaders.
The Impact of “She Leads.”
Building Confidence and Breaking Barriers
“She Leads.” meetings cover subjects that resonate with women at all stages of their careers. Some recent topics include:
Defining confidence: Understanding what confidence looks like and how to develop it
Overcoming impostor syndrome: Shedding self-doubt and becoming more proactive in decision-making
Balancing kindness and assertiveness: The group read the book Likeable Badass and discussed how being both kind and decisive can advance their careers
While these meetings provide practical, real-world tools that help women in manufacturing thrive, the program also hosts networking events that allow participants to connect in a more casual setting.
Strengthening Industry Bonds
One of the most valuable aspects of “She Leads.” is its ability to bring women together across different companies, encouraging collaboration rather than competition. While many precision machine shops tend to keep their cards close to their chests, “She Leads.” is helping break down barriers, creating a manufacturing community that thrives together.
At KCSP Machine, we’ve seen firsthand how “She Leads.” fosters strong connections that benefit both individuals and businesses. Sheryl has had the chance to meet and speak with some of our customers in person, strengthening professional relationships that were previously built over phone calls.
The Business Case for “She Leads.”
Success isn’t just about having the right equipment and the most cutting-edge capabilities; it’s about having the right people. Companies that invest in developing female talent create stronger teams and improve workplace culture. Initiatives like “She Leads.” help manufacturing businesses attract and retain top talent so our industry continues to grow and evolve. To put it frankly, taking care of our people is just good for business.
Looking Ahead: The Future of “She Leads.”
As “She Leads.” continues to grow, so does its impact. By providing mentorship, education, and networking opportunities, this program is paving the way for more female leaders in manufacturing. The future of manufacturing depends on a diverse, talented workforce, and “She Leads.” is doing its part to ensure women have a seat at the table.
At KCSP Machine, we’re proud to be part of this movement and excited to see how it continues to impact our Kansas City machine shop for the better.
Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to connect with our team.