Get to know WiMEF’s new Chairperson, Susanne Lauda!

WiM is excited to welcome our 2020 Education Foundation (WiMEF) Board of Directors Chairperson, Susanne Lauda! Susanne is the director of global advanced manufacturing technology at AGCO Corp., and has been a part of WiM for many years. Read on to learn more about Susanne, her excitement about the future of WiMEF and valuable advice to fellow women in manufacturing.

Please tell our members a little bit about your professional background and work in the manufacturing industry.

I started my career as an apprentice on the shop floor in Germany and really enjoyed it, so I went back to school to get a degree in Manufacturing Engineering. I have never regretted it because it provided me with the opportunity to work with a number of impressive companies around the world.

How did you first get involved with the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation (WiMEF)?

I believe that the most important tool for anybody is education, but I noticed throughout the years that the numbers of females in classical technical training classes are usually quite low. Having targeted training opportunities for women will help close the skills gap in the manufacturing industry.

What do you wish everyone knew about WiMEF?

It enables females at various levels of their manufacturing careers to advance themselves while also building a strong network.

If you could only use one word to describe WiMEF, what word would you use? If you could only use one word to describe yourself, what word would you use?

WiMEF – Empowerment
Myself - Alpha

We conduct this interview one year from now celebrating what a great term it’s been for you in this role, what did we achieve together?

2020 is probably the most difficult year in recent history, but one year from now we will be celebrating that, despite the turmoil in the industry, our supporters stood behind us unwaveringly.

What do you believe is the most important WiMEF initiative?

Importance is relative. I think our strength is that we have multiple initiatives so that we provide a home for anybody looking for education.

What might we be surprised to know about you?

In my spare time I act as a United States Equestrian Federation certified horse show judge, and I also enjoy riding my own horses.

Is there any advice you would give to a woman who is just starting her manufacturing career?

Grow a bit of a thick skin, always speak up when you see the need, and get a mentor early on.