The hum of machinery, the scent of cutting fluid, the weight of steel—these are the sensory markers of American manufacturing, an industry that has long been the backbone of the nation’s economy. Yet for decades, the faces behind these sounds and smells have been overwhelmingly male. Women account for less than 30% of the U.S. manufacturing workforce, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a statistic Audrey Saylor knows intimately—and one she has spent her career trying to change.
From Classroom to Factory Floor
Audrey Saylor didn’t start in manufacturing. Her professional journey began in education, as a teacher shaping young minds. But in 2004, she made a leap that would redefine her life and, in many ways, the industry itself. She transitioned from the classroom to the business world, co-founding American Engineered Products (AEP) and eventually serving as Vice President, leading the company to global prominence in the complex manufacturing of durable metal bases and specialized metal furniture.
That transition—from educator to executive—speaks to something essential about the manufacturing workforce challenges facing America today: the industry desperately needs people who can think differently, solve problems creatively, and bring fresh perspectives to the factory floor. Audrey Saylor brought all three.
“I think teaching gave her a unique lens,” one industry observer noted of her career arc. “She understood that building things isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about developing people.”
The Numbers Tell a Story
The statistics paint a stark picture of gender diversity in manufacturing. Women make up roughly half of the U.S. labor force but represent less than one-third of manufacturing employees. Even more telling: only 23% of women entered the industry intentionally, compared to 35% of men. Most women in manufacturing, it seems, “fell into” the field rather than actively pursuing it.
This “discovery gap” represents both a challenge and an extraordinary opportunity. As the industry faces persistent labor shortages—74% of manufacturing professionals reported shortages in 2026—tapping into the full potential of the female workforce isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s an economic imperative.
Audrey Saylor recognized this early. With over two decades of manufacturing leadership experience, she has witnessed firsthand how women in U.S. manufacturing have been systematically underrepresented in leadership, engineering, and technical roles. The barriers are real: gender bias, limited mentorship opportunities, inadequate safety measures, and compensation disparities that see women earning roughly 17% less than their male counterparts.
Breaking Through the Barriers
What does it take for a woman to succeed in manufacturing? The answer, according to female manufacturing leaders who have navigated these waters, is multifaceted.
First, there’s the challenge of visibility. In male-dominated environments, women often struggle with equal access to opportunities and career progression. The perception that technical and operational roles are “better suited for men” persists, creating a cycle where women are less likely to be considered for leadership tracks.
Then there’s the mentorship gap. Research has shown that a significant barrier for women in manufacturing is the lack of role models and mentors. Without seeing women in leadership positions, young professionals struggle to envision themselves in those roles.
Audrey Saylor has made it her mission to address this head-on. Through the Audrey Saylor Scholarship for Manufacturing—a $1,000 essay-based award for undergraduate students pursuing careers in the sector—she is actively building the pipeline of future industry talent. The scholarship challenges students to articulate how they will bring fresh, creative problem-solving to modern manufacturing.
It’s a direct investment in the next generation of women in STEM careers, ensuring that the industry’s future leadership reflects the diversity of the country it serves.
The Changing Culture of American Manufacturing
Despite the challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Manufacturing workers report high career satisfaction, with 81% feeling valued by their employers and 82% recommending a career in the industry. The sector is evolving, embracing advanced technologies like AI and automation that appeal to a new generation of workers.
Initiatives like the ELEVATE Conference at IMTS 2026—co-hosted by AMT and Women in Manufacturing—are creating spaces where female manufacturing leaders can connect, develop skills, and navigate the industry’s future. These gatherings matter because they signal a cultural shift: manufacturing is no longer content to be an old boys’ club.
Audrey Saylor embodies this shift. Her career trajectory—from teacher to co-founder to scholarship benefactor—demonstrates that breaking barriers in manufacturing is possible, but it requires intentionality. It requires women like her to not only succeed but to reach back and pull others forward.
Building the Future
The future of American manufacturing depends on talent. With nearly 13 million workers in the sector and persistent labor shortages, the industry cannot afford to leave any capable worker behind. Gender diversity in manufacturing isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a competitive advantage that brings new perspectives and fresh ideas to industries that thrive on innovation.
Audrey Saylor understands this better than most. Her scholarship program, now accepting applications for its 2027 cycle, is designed to bridge the gap between academic ambition and industrial execution. It asks students to think critically about automation, sustainable design, and global production challenges—the very issues that will define manufacturing in the decades ahead.
“When you invest in the next generation,” her scholarship materials suggest, “you’re investing in the future of the industry itself.”
A Call to Action
For women in manufacturing today, the path forward is clearer than ever. The barriers remain—unconscious bias, wage gaps, and cultural resistance—but so do the opportunities. The industry is hungry for talent, and women who bring technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and leadership skills are finding their place.
Audrey Saylor has shown that it’s possible to build a career in manufacturing from unexpected beginnings. Her journey from teacher to executive to philanthropist offers a roadmap: start where you are, learn continuously, and never forget to bring others along.
The next generation of female manufacturing leaders is already emerging—in classrooms, on factory floors, and in the pages of scholarship applications. They are the ones who will finally close the gender gap, not because it’s the right thing to do, but because American manufacturing cannot afford to be anything less than its best.
And that, perhaps, is the most compelling case for breaking barriers in manufacturing: it’s not about charity or quotas. It’s about building a stronger, more innovative, more resilient industry for everyone.
