GEM for Women Manufacturers – Idaho Manufacturing Alliance

GEM is a dynamic initiative designed to support, connect, and uplift women in Idaho’s manufacturing sector. Created and led by the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance (IMA), GEM offers a vibrant community where women at all levels—from the production floor to the C-suite—can grow personally and professionally through shared experiences, strategic mentorship, and industry-specific empowerment.

GEM: Growth, Empowerment, and Mentorship for Women in Manufacturing

Why GEM?

Women remain underrepresented in manufacturing, but that’s changing. GEM was launched to accelerate that change by creating space for:

Professional Development – Workshops, webinars, and resources tailored to leadership, communication, and technical skills specific to manufacturing environments.
Empowerment & Inspiration – Hear from trailblazing women in Idaho manufacturing who are breaking barriers and building legacies.
Mentorship & Peer Support – Join a supportive network of peers and mentors who understand your challenges and are committed to helping you succeed.
Community & Connection – Participate in GEM Circles and local events to foster authentic connections that extend beyond the workplace.
Visibility & Recognition – Celebrate women’s contributions to manufacturing and help shape the future of the industry in Idaho.

Whether you’re starting your career, managing teams, or leading a company, GEM is your space to be seen, heard, and supported.

Join GEM and be part of a movement that’s changing the face of manufacturing in Idaho—one woman at a time.

Manufacturing Makes a Difference

Workforce Representation: As of 2023, women constitute approximately 29% of the U.S. manufacturing workforce. (NAM)
Breaking Barriers: Going back ten years ago when IMA was founded, women represented only about 24% of Idaho’s manufacturing workforce. Today, that figure has risen to approximately 32%. This increase may seem incremental, but it translates to thousands more women in Idaho actively participating in a field traditionally, not pursued by women.
Leadership Roles: Women hold about 25% of management positions within the manufacturing sector.
Contributions: The contributions of women leading manufacturing firms, innovating in engineering roles, and excelling in these highly-skilled occupations are not just significant—they are essential. Research shows that companies with more women in leadership roles see 34% higher returns on equity compared to their peers.
Earnings: On average, women in manufacturing earn 16% more than the national median annual income for women across all industries. (Census.gov U.S. Department of Commerce+2cardinalstaffing.com)
Higher Performance: Companies have begun to realize that diverse teams drive innovation, improve problem-solving, and enhance productivity. Companies with more diverse workforces are 15% more likely to outperform their peers. Women bring new perspectives, foster collaboration, and drive our industry forward.
Mentoring Makes a Difference: Nearly 60% of women in manufacturing reported that mentorship programs (like apprenticeship) were crucial in their decision to pursue a career in this field.

Get Involved

March 26, 2025 marked the beginning of GEM with the EmpowerHER luncheon – a platform for discussion, thought leadership, and connection. It was the “launching pad” for GEM, and the event quickly sold out.
July 18, 2025 marked the first GEM Empowered Golf Team sponsored by Bank of America at the IMA 2nd Annual Golf Tournament
March 10, 2026 the 2nd Annual EmpowerHER event occurred and we gained incredible insights that will be published in the 2026 Idaho Manufacturing Economic Impact Report
July 17, 2026 — Apply to join the Bank of America GEM Empowered Golf Team! Use code: LOTTERY
November 19, 2026 — Join us at the Idaho Manufacturing Trade Show & Conference where GEM sessions will be scheduled
Join the GEM Women’s Committee as a volunteer or committee member
Join us for site tours of women-led companies