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 a milestone for the union and was the final class led by Julie Frietchen in her role as IAM Women’s & Young Worker’s Director before she transitions to become 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 IAM women from across the United States and Canada, had a waitlist due to high demand.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to empower and educate IAM women, helping them strengthen their leadership skills and build influence in their workplaces and communities. Frietchen has led the program for three years and has mentored members to promote gender equity within the IAM and the broader labor movement.
During the week-long session, participants attended workshops on organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. The program also focused on building connections among members and reinforcing the IAM’s commitment to ensuring that women have representation and a voice in their workplaces.
As part of the communications workshop, the class created an original post for IAM Union’s social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
