Women in Manufacturing (WiM) is a national association dedicated to empowering female workers in the manufacturing industry. With 20-25% of Newport News Shipbuilding’s workforce comprised of women, Julia Jones, vice president of Manufacturing, kicked off NNS’ Women in Manufacturing Community of Practice (WiM CoP) in April 2022.

“I wanted to pull together anyone who has interest in growing, developing and having a career in manufacturing, production and construction in the shipbuilding business,” Jones said. “I wanted to bring opportunities of development, opportunities to support each other, to inspire and empower women and there are lots of opportunities in shipbuilding alone they can excel in and add value to.”

Closing in on its one year mark, WiM CoP is already proving to accomplish just what it intended – to support, promote, inspire and empower. Production Planner and WiM member Stephanie Maker, who recently celebrated her one year anniversary with the company, admits she initially felt intimidated coming to work in a male-dominated industry, but says with the help of WiM, those feelings are now gone.

“Women in Manufacturing has helped me a lot, to build my confidence. I don’t feel intimidated anymore,” she said.

To join WiM CoP or learn more, email [email protected].