Women in 3D Printing group changing the face of manufacturing
The 3D printing industry's been growing for years around here, and more and more we're seeing women taking major roles. It's a seismic shift in the industry, with a local group now leading the way.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The 3D printing industry's been growing for years around here, and more and more we're seeing women taking significant roles. It's a seismic shift in the industry, with a local group now leading the way.
Ashley Totin is working in what once was a man's world and in many ways still is.
"When I go into any conference or room I am either the only woman or one of the few," said Totin. "It's definitely a barrier, but I never let that stop me."
Totin grew up in Mineral Ridge and didn't even know what engineering was until high school. At YSU, it was already pretty clear that she was wasn't exactly in the majority.
"Yeah, there were three girls in my field so we kind of stuck together. We called ourselves the three musketeers of engineering," said Totin.
Those numbers have been similar at her stops at the Youngstown Business Incubator, and now America Makes, but she's not alone. She knows that first-hand thanks to a local chapter of a group called Women in 3D Printing.
"This was the first chapter of the organization in the entire midwest," said Cynthia Rogers, the local ambassador for the group.
"We're getting people from Cleveland and Pittsburgh; all these women that are in this field, coming together, talking about this technology, networking, making relationships that will last a lifetime," said Totin.
"I think it's extremely important for these women to have this network because I think it makes them realize they're not alone and that their geekiness on 3D printing is actually kind of cool," said Rogers.
Rob Gorham is the executive director at America Makes, and he's taken notice of not only the group but the real change in the industry.
"From small kids to the engineering schools. I think we're seeing a nice shift in what traditionally has been a man's study," said Gorham.
One of the biggest keys, especially with younger women, is making sure that they understand the variety of jobs that even exist.
"Whether they want to go into the medical field, the aerospace field, automotive, engineering, art, business, 3D printing is touching each one of those industries," said Totin.
And to see the inspiration, you don't have to look any farther than Ashley.
"I think the opportunity to be a role model is real," said Gorham. "And I think a lot of young women, whether it be in elementary school or in high school, can use folks like Ashley to see there's a huge opportunity to get involved in what might not necessarily be what a traditional career might look like yesterday, but it should absolutely be on their radar moving forward."
Showcasing the changing face of 3D printing with proof right here in the Valley.
The Women in 3D Printing group meets once a month, with the next meeting on Thursday the 28th at V2 in Youngstown. It's open to both men and women, just trying to spread the love for additive manufacturing.
For information, you can reach out to Cynthia Bridge Rogers on Facebook.
