February 25th, 2022
Since 2019, the CCAI Women in Finishing FORUM has provided an opportunity for all women involved in the industrial finishing industry to participate in a two-day FORUM that is unlike anything the industry saw in the past. The 2022 event will continue to build upon the success of the first two FORUMS. Scheduled for May 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade in Cleveland, OH, the FORUM features a variety of industry and professional development sessions along with networking and team building activities and is open to women of all job types, from the finishing line to executive management. Registration is now open along with the application process for the Liz Teska Women in Finishing FORUM Scholarship!
In addition to the outstanding line up of general session presentations, the 2022 WiF FORUM will include a tour of the finishing operations of a Cleveland area manufacturer, a team building exercise held at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and roundtable discussions addressing topics submitted by attendees. “We had an incredible response to the 2021 FORUM with an increase in registrations of nearly 40 percent,” states Sheila LaMothe, WiF program manager. “Feedback was extremely positive. We’ve listened to attendee suggestions and are excited to deliver another outstanding program in Cleveland that will no doubt benefit the women in our industry,” she adds.
Comments from 2021 WiF FORUM attendees include:
All of the presenters were so knowledgeable. The method of presentations was relatable to all regardless of the varying level of leadership.
My expectations were beyond exceeded. I was floored and returned singing high praises in hopes of recruiting more women next year.
I feel like I am walking away with a lot of useful information and enjoyed learning about the shared experiences of women in this industry.
2022 FORUM topics and speakers include:
Social Media: Benefits and Pitfalls – Lindsey Boyle, Sales & Marketing, Belco Industries Inc.
Wealth Management: Planning Your Financial Future – George Gerges, Sr. Vice President, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
My Journey to Leadership Panel – Molly Kellogg, President/CEO, Hubbard Hall, Inc.; Marhya Osheaski, Vice President Sales, IFS Coatings; Kathryn Shaffer, Global Technology Platform Manager, Powder Coatings, PPG; Anne Goyer, Executive Director, CCAI.
Powder Coatings Turn a Greener Shade – Tabitha McLeish, Global Marketing Director, General Industrial Coatings, The Sherwin-Williams Company
Leading with Emotional Intelligence – Diana Bilimoria, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Organizational Behavior, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University
Applications are currently being accepted for the Elizabeth Teska Women in Finishing FORUM Scholarship. The scholarship enables more women to participate in the annual FORUM by covering registration fees and accommodations costs for up to two successful applicants each year. 2021 scholarship recipient Molly Sanchez, manufacturing quality engineer at Fort Recovery Industries, shares, “It was uplifting to meet so many women involved in finishing. As a person in a predominately male profession, it was amazing to interact with strong women who deal with similar issues and to learn the tools that they use to navigate their careers. I met so many awesome people and made connections that I am confident will be beneficial in the future. Receiving the Elizabeth Teska scholarship made this all possible and I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Recipients are selected by the CCAI Finishing Education Foundation Board of Directors. Both individual applications and nominations are accepted. Deadline to apply is March 31.
For more information and to register for the WiF FORUM, visit https://www.ccaiweb.com/event/WiFForum22
For more information and to apply for the Elizabeth Teska Women in Finishing FORUM Scholarship, visit www.ccaiweb.com/WiFForumScholarship
