In this special episode of the #MadeInSWVA podcast, we take listeners inside the 2026 Women of Manufacturing Symposium hosted by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.
Held during Women’s History Month, the event brought together manufacturing professionals, students, and community leaders from across Southwest Virginia to celebrate the women helping drive the region’s manufacturing industry forward. This episode introduces the symposium, highlights insights from keynote speaker Tamea Franco of Global Metal Finishing, and sets the stage for the Outstanding Women of Manufacturing Awards. In upcoming episodes, we’ll recognize this year’s award recipients and nominees and explore the many roles women play across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing workforce.
