Carolyn Lee’s path to turning into the Govt Director and President of the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the 501c(3) workforce growth and training affiliate of the Nationwide Affiliation of Producers, was formed by a deep-rooted household connection to manufacturing, a profession in public service, and a dedication to constructing groups and empowering others. Her story is one in all legacy, management, and a dedication to strengthen the workforce that drives American {industry} ahead.
A Legacy of Service and Manufacturing
Manufacturing is greater than a profession for Carolyn, it’s a part of her DNA. Her grandfather, a machinist, labored in manufacturing throughout the pre-World Struggle II period and her grandparents met at a worldwide watch producer’s manufacturing unit outdoors New York Metropolis. This household heritage instilled in Carolyn a profound respect for manufacturing, its very important position in society and helped form her view of service.
Her father additionally carried on the household’s legacy. He owned a screw machine enterprise when Carolyn was younger. The enterprise offered for his or her household and gave Carolyn a firsthand view of the challenges and rewards of operating a small manufacturing operation. She joined her father within the store doing small jobs, gaining early, hands-on expertise with the precision and dedication the {industry} calls for. Watching him handle the enterprise and navigate the {industry} gave her a deep appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit and the essential position that small producers play within the broader industrial ecosystem.
A Profession Formed by Public Service
Early in her profession, Carolyn labored on Capitol Hill, working first within the U.S. Home of Representatives after which within the U.S. Senate. Throughout that point she noticed firsthand how legislative coverage shapes workforce growth, and households. Serving as employees for former U.S. Consultant Sue Kelly (NY), who was the Republican chair of the Congressional Girls’s Caucus, strengthened the significance of constructing networks, coalitions and group.
Whereas within the workplace of U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe (ME), one in all her most memorable and formative experiences was engaged on the partially funded little one tax credit score, which was half of the 2001 tax legislation. It was the primary piece of laws she labored on that was enacted and it will go on to supply hundreds of households with extra assist.
Her expertise in Congress additionally gave her perception into the distinctive challenges girls face in getting into industries which might be largely male dominated, the place the shortage of position fashions can change into a barrier. She remembers Rep. Kelly usually sharing how she was inspired by others to run for workplace—a push that was and is commonly essential for ladies searching for management roles. That lesson of needing allies and sponsors resonated deeply with Carolyn and have become a guideline in her work on the MI, the place she champions initiatives to assist girls in manufacturing and to scale back limitations to alternatives for all.
Main the Manufacturing Institute with Imaginative and prescient
When the Govt Director place opened on the Manufacturing Institute, Carolyn initially hadn’t thought-about herself for the position. It took a suggestion from Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the Nationwide Affiliation of Producers, and chair of the MI Board of Administrators, for her to think about the chance to make an influence through packages as a substitute of coverage. His encouragement pushed her to step right into a place the place she might make a transformative influence on the {industry}.
When she first stepped into the position, the MI was a small group of simply eight individuals, engaged on a number of initiatives however and not using a clear strategic plan or imaginative and prescient. Underneath her management, the MI has grown dramatically in scale and attain. At this time, the MI has change into a trusted advisor for manufacturing employers – powering options to construct and strengthen the workforce wants of as we speak and put together the expertise wanted for the longer term. The group is doing this by creating initiatives that empower people, strengthen communities, and tackle industry-wide challenges.
The MI’s success, nonetheless, will not be Carolyn’s alone. By means of her management she has empowered the devoted groups working alongside her to assume huge and ship influence. Collectively, they’ve remodeled the MI right into a nationwide chief in workforce growth, driving options that strengthen people, companies and communities.
The MI’s flagship initiatives, together with FAME (Federation for Superior Manufacturing Training), Heroes MAKE America, Girls MAKE America, and its Pupil Engagement efforts, are increasing entry to manufacturing careers and fostering a talented expertise pipeline. The MI additionally works with areas and communities to construct new workforce growth pipelines and develop new options.
Throughout her tenure, the MI took over administration of FAME. Initially based by Toyota however then entrusted to the MI in 2019, FAME trains people for superior manufacturing careers by a mixture of paid, fingers on work expertise and classroom instruction. This system is extensively regarded for producing extremely expert graduates who’re prepared to satisfy the calls for of contemporary manufacturing. FAME has scaled nationally, providing a confirmed mannequin for constructing a talented expertise pipeline.
Recognizing the untapped potential of transitioning service members, in 2018, the MI launched Heroes MAKE America, a coaching and certification program that helps veterans and active-duty personnel transition into manufacturing careers. This system presents industry-specific coaching, profession teaching, and connections to manufacturing employers.
Carolyn has been a champion for rising feminine illustration in manufacturing. Girls MAKE America is elevating position fashions whereas creating mentorship networks and profession growth alternatives. The initiative goals to encourage extra girls to pursue and thrive in manufacturing careers by highlighting position fashions and fostering a group in order that the following technology of girls can see themselves in fashionable manufacturing. And in doing so, we are able to shut the abilities hole hindering manufacturing’s continued progress.
To deal with the necessity for a future-ready workforce, the MI has strengthened its scholar engagement instruments, selling manufacturing careers to younger individuals by hands-on experiences, {industry} excursions, and classroom sources. By sparking curiosity in manufacturing careers early, the MI helps to domesticate the following technology of producing expertise.
Constructing a Stronger Manufacturing Future
On the coronary heart of Carolyn’s MI management is the perception that manufacturing is about individuals— strengthening people and, by extension, their households and communities. She acknowledges that workforce growth isn’t nearly filling jobs, it’s about creating alternatives for progress and stability.
As she continues to steer the MI, Carolyn stays pushed by the identical values that introduced her into public service: making a tangible influence by considerate management and a dedication to constructing a stronger, extra dynamic manufacturing workforce. Her story is a reminder that significant change comes from persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to tackle challenges, even the surprising ones.
In regards to the Writer:
Carolyn Lee is the president and govt director of the Manufacturing Institute, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce growth and training affiliate of the Nationwide Affiliation of Producers. Since 2017, she has guided the MI’s progress and evolution, increasing its influence nationwide to strengthen the manufacturing workforce.
A champion for the {industry}’s future, Lee is passionate concerning the MI’s work to faucet into new expertise swimming pools and alter perceptions of producing careers in order that each potential employee sees the chance for a family-supporting, rewarding profession.
Components of the MI portfolio embody the Girls MAKE America initiative, which empowers and elevates girls in manufacturing to create position fashions and alternatives for the following technology, and the Heroes MAKE America initiative, which builds military-to-manufacturing pathways for veterans and transitioning service members. She can also be dedicated to participating college students and fostering pleasure for manufacturing careers.
By means of these and different initiatives, together with apprenticeships, she works to shut the {industry}’s expertise hole and construct a robust pipeline of expert staff.
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