SWE’s next WE Local conference is headed to Dublin on April 23-24, and we are excited to see you there! The two-day event features a networking exhibition, keynotes, educational sessions, and special events — all aimed at providing community, camaraderie, and collaboration.
Among the incredible lineup of speakers at WE Local Dublin is Women in Manufacturing President and Founder Allison Roberts Grealis, who will share how early encouragement, community, and courage shaped her mission to create opportunities for women in industry, including WiM. She’ll provide practical strategies for women to strengthen their confidence, communication, and leadership, focusing on three core practices — preparation, intention, and authenticity.
Read on to learn more about this WE Local Dublin speaker and remember to register.
And be sure to check out the recaps of recent WE Local events held in Pune, Prague, and the United States as you prepare to attend.
Which experiences in your career influenced you most in wanting to create more opportunities for women in manufacturing?
My early work with trade associations had the greatest influence — particularly right after graduate school in 2001. That experience gave me the opportunity to work closely with small manufacturing companies and to meet many women connected to metal forming organizations. What I saw consistently was a sense of isolation. Many of these women lacked peer support and didn’t feel they had a community they could rely on. That realization connected deeply with my own passion for bringing people together and organizing for change. It inspired me to create a space where women in manufacturing could find support, connection, and a shared sense of purpose. That initial exposure to the manufacturing community through trade associations ultimately laid the foundation for what became the Women in Manufacturing Association.
What specific moment or challenge spurred you to take on a leadership role and found Women in Manufacturing?
Leadership has always felt natural to me. From a very young age, I gravitated toward involvement and leadership in the organizations I was part of — starting in elementary school and continuing throughout my education and career. I’ve never been hesitant to step into leadership roles, and I’ve always found comfort in helping guide and shape organizations. When I saw the need for a community for women in metal forming — and later manufacturing more broadly — it felt like a natural extension of both my professional experience and my personal passion for women’s issues. Creating and leading Women in Manufacturing didn’t feel intimidating; it felt aligned.
My leadership foundation was strengthened in an all-girls high school, where every leadership role was held by women, and later through active involvement in college organizations, including my sorority, the Women’s Panhellenic Council, and student government. Those experiences reinforced my belief in leadership as a tool for meaningful change. When I recognized the lack of peer networks and support for women in manufacturing, the question became: Why not create it? The gap was clear, and stepping in to help fill it felt both necessary and purposeful.
Listen to Grealis speak with SWE Executive Director and CEO Karen Horting on the Diverse podcast about the future of the industry and WiM’s efforts to help advance women in manufacturing.
Which has been most transformative to your career — preparation, intention, or authenticity — and why?
Authenticity, without question. I’ve always been a genuine and transparent person, and I believe people want to work with and support leaders who are authentic. I strive to lead in a way that reflects who I truly am, and I hope that authenticity carries through the organization and into our member community. One of the most meaningful things I hear about Women in Manufacturing is that it is inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of women and allies from all backgrounds. That feedback means a great deal to me, because I believe organizational culture starts with leadership. If authenticity and openness are visible at the top, they can shape how an entire community shows up for one another.
What value do you see in being a member of both SWE and WiM?
The greatest value lies in community. Both SWE and WiM provide access to a network of supporters, allies, and peers who want to see one another succeed — and who are willing to share resources, guidance, and advice during challenging moments. Another powerful benefit is inspiration. There are moments when individuals question whether they can take on a new role, overcome a major challenge, or balance leadership with personal responsibilities. Being part of these communities allows members to see women who have faced similar challenges and navigated them successfully.
We often say, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” These organizations provide visibility and perspective — along with honest conversations about the realities of leadership, career growth, and life balance. I’m very open with younger generations about the fact that while you can pursue many goals, you can’t do everything at once. Many of us tried — and experienced burnout as a result. Sharing those lessons helps ensure that young women are empowered by realistic expectations, not discouraged by unattainable ones.
How do you envision your work and leadership helping shape the future of the industry for the next generation of women?
I hope that Women in Manufacturing has a legacy well beyond my time. I truly believe we have helped change the conversation around the importance of women in nontraditional fields like manufacturing and engineering — areas where women remain underrepresented. Our goal has always been to create lasting impact by ensuring women feel valued, supported, and heard, and by reinforcing the importance of inclusive representation within these industries. I hope this community continues to serve as a trusted source of guidance, connection, and advocacy for generations to come.
There is also strong alignment between Women in Manufacturing and the Society of Women Engineers. SWE has long been a respected leader in advancing women in engineering, and I have always admired the impact it has had across generations. SWE celebrated its 75th anniversary when we marked our 15th, and I hope Women in Manufacturing continues to grow with that same kind of longevity and influence. Ultimately, I want our work to help ensure that women entering these fields never feel alone — and that the progress we’re making today continues long into the future.
Want to hear more? Grealis will share her in-depth insights on leading with purpose, supporting others, and much more at WE Local Dublin. You can also read key insights from WiM’s 2025 manufacturing industry report in SWE Magazine.
Planning to attend WE Local Dublin on April 23-24? Register today!
Want to be a WE Local partner on-site? Get the details here.
