The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently hosted its largest Women’s Leadership class to date at the Winpisinger Center. This session marked the final Women’s Leadership class led by Julie Frietchen in her current role as IAM Women’s & Young Worker’s Director, as she prepares to become Director of the Winpisinger Center.
Julie Frietchen commented on the growth of the program, stating, “It’s very exciting news that the numbers are growing every year in these programs.” She noted that there was a waitlist for the class, which included IAM women from across the United States and Canada.
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 in advancing gender equity within the IAM and the broader labor movement.
During the week-long event, participants attended workshops covering topics such as organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. The program also focused on building connections among participants and reaffirming the IAM’s commitment to supporting women’s roles in the union and workplace decision-making.
As part of the communications training, participants created an original post for IAM Union’s social media platforms, including Facebook and X (Twitter).
