Description

Are you ready to be inspired, empowered, and connected with other trailblazing women in manufacturing? 

Join us for the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance's EmpowerHER Luncheon & Panel Discussion, an exclusive event celebrating the achievements, resilience, and future of women shaping the manufacturing industry. 

This event is designed for women in all manufacturing areas—whether you’re on the shop floor, in leadership, or just getting started. Learn from the experiences of women who’ve broken barriers and carved out their paths in a traditionally male-dominated industry. 

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Run of Show 

11:00 am - Check-In & Networking 

11:30 am - Lunch

12:00 pm - Panel, Barriers to Breakthroughs: "Resources That Made a Difference" 

12:30 pm - Networking

1:30 pm  - Event Concludes

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Key Highlights, Panel Discussion: 

From Barriers to Breakthroughs: "Resources That Made a Difference"

Breaking through the barriers in manufacturing can feel like an uphill battle. In this inspiring panel, four women share the resources that helped them push past challenges and reach new career milestones. Whether it was mentorship, industry events, or training courses, these women will discuss the critical tools they used and the ones that didn’t align with their needs. This session is all about empowering women with insights into the resources that truly foster growth, innovation, and success in the manufacturing industry. 

Moderator: Michele Marshall

Michele Marshall spent 20 years in Silicon Valley as a workforce specialist delivering talent services to organizations across Northern California.  Michele is also passionate about security solutions that help agriculture, food & beverage, and manufacturing teams improve, stay secure, and grow.

Panelists;

Teri Henke, PedSafety, HR General Supervisor

Teri Henke is the HR General Supervisor at PedSafety, with over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. She began her career at Micron in 1995, quickly advancing to Lead and Supervisor roles, where she managed teams of up to 64 in high-volume, cleanroom environments. In 2007, Teri joined Plexus, supervising up to 116 employees in the medical, defense, and aerospace sectors, specializing in low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing. There, she developed expertise in compliance, new product integrations, and continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles.

Becky Rodriguez, CEO of Rodriguez Bakery

With over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. She began her career in 1985 as a receptionist at The Hiawatha Corporation in Shelton, Washington, quickly advancing to roles in accounts, payroll, and sales. In 1991, she moved to Nyssa, Oregon, to help run Rodriguez Bakery with her husband, Marco, and his parents. After his father's passing in 1995, Becky and Marco purchased the business, specializing in Mexican pastries.

Becky's leadership proved critical during the 2009 economic downturn when she pivoted the business to include flour tortillas, saving and revitalizing the bakery. Under her guidance, the bakery expanded significantly, moving to a 20,000-square-foot facility in Fruitland, Idaho, in 2019. Today, she leads the company alongside her son, Jarad, managing operations, compliance, and team development.

Becky's hands-on approach and resilience have been key to Rodriguez Bakery’s success. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her grandchildren and outdoor activities. Meet Becky Rodriguez

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EmpowerHER Networking Lunch
Connect with fellow attendees over a delicious lunch and enjoy
a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, 
and grow your professional network. 

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Who Should Attend: This event is open to women in all roles within the manufacturing industry—engineers, technicians, managers, entrepreneurs, and students looking to break into the field. Whether you are seeking inspiration, mentorship, or collaboration opportunities, this event is for you. 

Why Attend? 

• Gain insights from industry leaders who have overcome hurdles and achieved success. 
• Build meaningful connections with like-minded professionals in your field. 
• Discover actionable strategies to advance your career and thrive in manufacturing. 
• Be part of a community that celebrates and supports women in manufacturing.