Women in Print — What’s Next?

As PRINTING United ends, SGIA’s Women in Print Advisory Council enters a state of reflection on where we’ve been, and where we want to go next.

We originally formed from the desire to see a more diverse and equal work environment, the desire to see women enter the industry pursuing opportunities they never thought possible. But that was just the beginning. While our primary objective revolved around women and establishing a space where we could freely discuss everyday challenges and victories, it is deeper than that. We want to engage both men and women; because men play a critical role in mentoring and establishing healthy connections and opportunities between peers and employees. Therefore, we focused on converging the two entities at our annual breakfast.

The Women in Print breakfast was developed as a space for expression and networking, where peers could explore and discuss the challenges they faced in the industry. It is the opportunity for everyone to come together and discuss how gender affects every part of their lives — work and personal. And it is from these open discussions and debates that ideas and ways of thinking change — and new improvements are implemented.

Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about where we’ve succeeded, as well as where we’ve struggled; this is why we’re embracing this opportunity to reflect. We want to grow and learn from our mistakes — not for our own sake, but for the communities that we serve. Because it all comes down to those communities and individuals that have fought so hard in this industry that we’re here, as testament to perseverence, witnesses, and advocates.

Our sole purpose is to be champions for the next generation, to be role models, mentors, peers, and friends. To make every new printer, supplier, media consultant, or installer feel as though they have the resources and opportunities to succeed in this industry. Everything we do is to create a better tomorrow for current and future industry leaders.

As we close out this reflective piece, we’re not done reflecting. We’ll continue learning from everything we do, and we hope you’ll join us as we push forward for a better tomorrow for all.