Central Illinois manufacturing leaders prove women drive industry innovation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Women make up less than 30% of the manufacturing workforce, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. However, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association hopes to inspire a new generation of women in the industry.

IMA Women Makers — TCCI and DCC hosted the IMA's third edition of the 2023 women makers series in TCCI's future electric vehicle innovative hub Monday.

Central Illinois has become a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing and biotechnology. Local companies like TCCI are showing women are shaping a stronger, more dynamic manufacturing industry.

"We look to each other in this industry because we have to be advocates for change," said Kara Demirjian-Huss, senior vice president of TCCI and president of DCC Marketing. "Electrification is new and there's a lot of consumer anxiety and a lot of education that needs to happen."

TCCI and DCC hosted the IMA's third edition of the 2023 women makers series in TCCI's future electric vehicle innovative hub Tuesday.

Rivian has 8,000 manufacturing workers in Normal, Illinois. Public policy manager Maura Freeman said many women are leaving traditionally feminine roles to work on electric vehicles. Freeman has seen homemakers, nurses and teachers become great assembly line workers.

"I have never worked with a primarily female team before iFAB and it has been the best work experience I've ever had. There has been no infighting," said Beth Conerty, regional innovation officer for the iFAB tech hub. "There has been no ego busting. There has been no getting steam rolled in meetings."

TCCI and iFAB leaders said they are excited to see so many young women interested in career and technical education. They believe some students could one day lead manufacturing companies in Illinois and across the country.

"Where you are from does not define you," said Decatur Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rochelle Clark. "It is a stepping stone. So, don't every forget who you are."

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association will host a women makers happy hour event to create even more industry connection in October.

"Sometimes as women, men like to discount our work," said Tamika Thomas, the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act director at Richland Community College. "We may be small in stature, but our work is tall and our reach is wide."