Association of Women in the Metal Industries
Grace Asenov, Press Chair
AWMI celebrates 40th anniversary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[NEW YORK, February 18, 2021] The Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI) is marking its 40th anniversary in 2021 with a year-long celebration.
AWMI will commemorate its resiliency at its annual conference this year, which is scheduled to be held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla., from November 10-13.
The association was formed in 1981 in California with the vision of founder Heidi Doran: To be an organization that would offer forums and networking to support women’s careers in the metal industries. After the non-profit held its first industry dinner in 1982, other chapters in Chicago, Houston and New York were formed. By the end of the 80s, six more chapters were started, and in 1996, AWMI held its first all-member conference. Throughout the 2000s, the group increased its strategic outreach and marketing efforts, changed its management structure and introduced corporate memberships.
Four decades later, AWMI today consists of 19 chapters and five regions across the United States and western Canada. Individual memberships are increasing and a new website was launched in 2019. Membership remains open to both women and men.
The group continues to promote and develop the growth of women’s careers in metal industries via its four cornerstone goals: Grow, Educate, Network and Mentor. It currently organizes monthly virtual events, and hosts a variety of in-person educational and networking events when able.
“AWMI gives women the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills by serving on chapter, regional and international boards of directors,” AWMI International President Sonya Malvick said. “Together with our mentoring program and continual leadership training, our members – who are women and men – can learn the skills they need to reach their career goals in a non-judgmental atmosphere.”
“While the organization started with a small group of women in a mostly male-dominated workforce, it has transitioned into much more,” she continued. “Today we strive to give our members the tools they need to reach their maximum potential both personally and professionally as we cheer them on.”
For more information on events, membership and more, please visit: awmi.org