Breakout Sessions
Claiming Technical Authority at the Standards Table
Sarah Lombardo, Quality Assurance Manager, Vacu Braze
Andrew Bassett, President, Aerospace Testing and Pyrometry
Women in quality, engineering, and operations are often responsible for turning dense technical requirements into work the shop floor can execute and records an auditor can follow. This session will examine common requirements, including AMS2750 for pyrometry and other major material processing specifications, Nadcap audit criteria, and ASTM testing methods. Andrew Bassett and Sarah Lombardo will also discuss how AMEC, ASTM committees, and the Nadcap Heat Treating Task Group influence industry requirements. Attendees will strengthen their ability to interpret revisions, manage flow downs, resolve conflicts, and lead specification compliance with confidence.
Programming for Advanced Manufacturing
Zachary Menard, Co-Founder & President, HRC Labs
Programming and digital fluency can expand the paths available to women in manufacturing, from process engineering and automation to research, operations leadership, and entrepreneurship. Zachary Menard will explore the skills required to design, run, and improve advanced manufacturing systems. Drawing on research and development work and the experience of launching a new company, he will discuss emerging tools, workforce readiness, and the connection between technical knowledge and reliable production. Attendees will gain a clearer view of what is available now, where the field is heading, and how women can prepare themselves, mentor others, and help shape the next generation of manufacturing technology.
Future-Proofing Heat Treat: Digital Tools That Strengthen People and Performance
Matthew Wright, Vice President, C3 Data
Digital transformation is changing the way heat treaters operate, but technology alone isn’t the solution. Explore how modern digital systems are reducing administrative burden, simplifying workforce training, preserving institutional knowledge, improving compliance, and helping organizations adapt more quickly to changing customer and industry requirements. Panelists will discuss practical strategies for implementing technology that supports people, drives consistency, and prepares companies for the future.
The Ins and Outs of Process Change
Women in engineering, quality, and operations frequently carry responsibility for coordinating process changes across technical teams, production, customers, and suppliers. Our speaker will walk through the questions that help leaders evaluate a change before implementation, including technical risk, validation, customer approval, specification requirements, documentation, and communication. The session will also address how women can build credibility when raising concerns and keep the right voices involved throughout the decision. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for moving improvements from idea to controlled execution while protecting product performance and customer confidence.
Cross-Cultural Challenges
Ana Laura Hernández Sustaita, Founder, Consultoria Carnegie
In North American manufacturing, trust is built differently across cultures — but trust remains essential to quality partnerships. What are the differences in professional expectations from Mexico-based professionals and U.S. Why do technically strong projects sometimes fail? Where do misunderstandings originate? How can purchasing, quality, and operations improve collaboration? Attendees will leave with practical insights for navigating cultural differences, strengthening communication, and building more effective working relationships.
AI for Operation Controls
Women working in operations, quality, and technology have an important opportunity to shape how AI enters manufacturing. Our speaker will examine practical applications for AI in process monitoring, data analysis, traceability, exception management, and operational decision-making. The session will explore the data discipline, cybersecurity, governance, and human oversight required to introduce these tools responsibly. Attendees will leave with a grounded framework for evaluating AI, asking informed questions, and determining where it can improve consistency and performance. The conversation will also encourage women to take an active role in the technology decisions influencing the future of their organizations.