Episode 13: Revitalizing MFG: A Commitment to Equity and Opportunity w/Michelle Burris​

Episode Overview:

In the episode, Matt speaks with Michelle Burris from The Century Foundation about efforts to diversify the American manufacturing workforce. Michelle explains how leveraging federal legislation and building partnerships with organizations across the country can increase workforce diversity. She shares success stories from TCF’s Industry & Inclusion Cohort, with community colleges like Sierra College and Bishop State Community College, showcasing their initiatives to support women and people of color in manufacturing. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of breaking down industry silos and working within ecosystems to meet diversity goals. Michelle also shares her personal journey, from her upbringing in Washington, D.C., to her time with the Peace Corps in Rwanda, adding a unique perspective on the importance of diversity, education, and cultural understanding in shaping professional pathways.

The discussion also covers the positive impact of federal policies like the Chips and Science Act on diversifying and revitalizing the manufacturing workforce, highlighting the importance of policy advocacy and celebrating achievements in this area. Thanks to Michelle for joining Manufacturing an American Century and helping build pathways for ALL Americans that seize the opportunity in advanced manufacturing careers!

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Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Big Concept:

How do we focus on equity in manufacturing workforce talent pathways? Michelle discusses innovative strategies for increasing diversity in the American manufacturing workforce, leveraging federal legislation and partnerships with organizations across the country through The Century Foundation’s Industry and Inclusion cohort.

Participants:

• Michelle Burris, Fellow, The Century Foundation
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• Public-Private Partnerships: Michelle shares the importance of cross-silo collaboration for increasing diversity in manufacturing, with examples across the U.S. where community colleges and organizations create opportunities for underrepresented groups.
• The Importance of Consistent Interactions: Building trust through consistent interactions among stakeholders is crucial for successful collaborations and achieving collective impact. Michelle recommends industry roundtables as one strategy to achieve consistent meetings.
• Leveraging Federal Policies: Michelle shares her excitement about the federal policy landscape, such as the Chips and Science Act, which promises to bring manufacturing opportunities to economically disadvantaged communities.

🔗Links:

• Connect with Michelle on Linkedin
• Michelle at The Century Foundation
• Follow AMCC
• Find Matt on Linkedin
• Visit our website