Women in Manufacturing Summit

The event saw an impressive turnout, with more than 120 students and chaperones attending our Women in Manufacturing Summit. Throughout the day, students participated in an engaging Q&A session with our moderator and panelists, gaining meaningful insight into career opportunities within the manufacturing industry.

Students with our panelist.

The Women in Manufacturing Summit is presented by the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program. One of the missions for the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program is to introduce more young women to careers, apprenticeships, training, and other opportunities in advanced manufacturing. In this year's panel, we would like to thank Cassandra Stein, Mixing Technology Manager from SPX Flow, Inc., Maria Parina, Human Resources Manager from Atalys, LLC, Terry Hughes, Owner of TEKE Machine Corporation, and Megan Sweeney, Journey Worker from SPX Flow, Inc. for giving their insights to young women interested in the industry.

Cassandra Stein (Left), Maria Parina, Terry Hughes, Megan Sweeney (Right)

Cassandra Stein, Mixing Technology Manager, SPX Flow, Inc.

Casandra graduated from SUNY Alfred State with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering technology in 2006.  She has been working at SPX Flow for almost 20 years in various roles, starting as a Mechanical Drafter and now working as the manager of their Research and Development Department. Casandra is passionate about mechanical and chemical engineering, and the hands-on skills that lab technicians need. She has advocated for further educating women in STEM for over 15 years.

Maria Parina, Human Resources Manager, Atalys, LLC

Maria holds a certification in Associate Professional In Human Resources from the Human Resources Certification Institute as well as a certification from the Society for Human Resource Management as a Certified Professional. She started off as a HR Assistant and moved into her current role where she has been for the last 8.5 years. Maria enjoys working in a manufacturing environment and is passionate about helping others succeed in their careers/positions. She would like to see more women in the manufacturing field!

Terry Hughes, Owner, TEKE Machine Corporation

I grew up in Rochester and received a degree in Math and one in Computer Science from Monroe Community College. I worked in Motion control sales and instrumentation sales after college. I founded TEKE Machine Corp with my late husband, a CNC machinist, in 1994.  I currently employee 23 employees.  I currently work there as the President.  I was the first, elected woman President of the RTMA in 2002 and am currently on the board of directors there.  I have 3 sons currently working at TEKE Machine Corp.

Megan Sweeney, Journey Worker, SPX Flow, Inc.

I landed in manufacturing after a major career pivot and started with zero experience in an entry level position. It quickly became clear to me that I had a huge passion for material planning, so I have worked my way towards that goal. Be confident in who you are, and you will be successful in what you do.

Hosted in the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center at Monroe Community College Downtown Campus.