Newport News Shipbuilding was well represented at the 2024 Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Virginia Leadership Conference Oct. 29 in Richmond. Attendees participated in sessions designed to enhance career and leadership skills.

A group of NNS leaders kicked off the daylong conference with a session titled 21st Century Rosies: A Fireside Chat. Rosie references the iconic Rosie the Riveter character who represented the women who entered the industrial labor force in large numbers during World War II.

Katrina Gilbert, superintendent, moderated the session. Thomasina Wright, vice president of Fleet Support Programs; “J” Mathews, superintendent; Beth Matschke, program manager; and Irin Hall, director of Facilities Engineering, spoke on the panel.

“It was great to witness our NNS leaders inspire other women in manufacturing by highlighting their experiences and sharing their leadership styles,” Wright said.

She added that experiences like the WiM conference are a great way “to gain different perspectives and skills that allow attendees to grow into better leaders.”