May 19, 2025 As manufacturing continues its digital transformation, the industry is calling for a new kind of leadership that blends technical knowledge with adaptability and collaboration. SME’s Women of SMART Virtual Experience, happening June 3, 2025, is a half-day event designed to celebrate and empower women who are stepping into these roles and shaping the future of smart manufacturing. Hosted by SME, the nonprofit professional association representing the entire manufacturing community, the virtual event will feature keynote speakers, expert-led panels and interactive sessions aimed at equipping women in the industry with practical strategies for leadership, retention and impact. The session “Trailblazers in Smart Manufacturing: Women Leading Innovation” will spotlight four professionals who are driving technological and digital transformations: Jane Arnold, Chief Customer Officer, APERIO Carley Mollica, PhD, MRC Program Manager, Lockheed Martin Supriya Puragundla, Senior Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Suzy Teele, Chief Strategy Officer, ARM Institute This panel will be facilitated by Jennifer Coyne, Director of Programs at The Barnes Global Advisors. The event also includes an interactive workshop led by Lisa Ryan, CSP, focused on retaining top talent and building workplace cultures rooted in purpose, appreciation and engagement. Attendees will walk away with tools to strengthen their leadership approach and foster a culture where employees feel connected and valued. In advance of the event, we spoke with panelist Jane Arnold to hear her thoughts on leadership, digital transformation and the role of community in advancing careers in smart manufacturing. Q&A with Jane Arnold Chief Customer Officer, APERIO | Panelist, Women of SMART Virtual Experience What drew you to a career in manufacturing, and how has your perspective on innovation evolved?In the summer of 1989, I took a job at a chemical plant in Texas City, Texas, and it changed everything. I was captivated by the complexity and precision of manufacturing and controls engineering, and that experience reshaped my entire career path. I have always believed that anything is possible—you just have to figure out how. Today, with the rapid advancement of smart manufacturing, innovation happens faster and more easily than ever. If you can clearly envision and describe a solution, the tools now exist to bring it to life. The possibilities are limitless. At APERIO, you help organizations unlock value through smart data. How do you see digital transformation opening new doors for leadership, especially for women?Digital transformation is not just about operational efficiency. It is reshaping leadership models across the industry. The focus is shifting away from traditional hierarchies toward agile, collaborative and inclusive approaches—environments where women and diverse leadership styles can thrive. Smart manufacturing prioritizes data-driven decision-making and cross-functional innovation. These areas create space for leaders who can connect across disciplines, guide teams through change and bring empathy to complex environments. At APERIO, our mission includes supporting this type of leadership and making sure more voices are included in the process. How can we better support and retain diverse talent, especially women, in a fast-evolving manufacturing workforce?Retention starts with culture. We need to build workplaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. Throughout my career, I have served as a mentor and made it a priority to stay visible. Representation matters, and women need to see what is possible. We also need to embed mentorship, flexibility and development into how we operate. Inclusion cannot just be a policy—it has to be something people experience every day. How has being part of professional communities like SME supported your career?I have always believed in the power of women lifting each other up. Communities like SME make that belief actionable. They create spaces to learn, grow and connect with others. Through SME, I have had the opportunity to mentor, speak and engage in important conversations that have helped me stay informed and inspired. What advice would you give someone looking to grow through their SME membership?Show up and speak up. Do not wait for the perfect moment to get involved. Join a committee, volunteer, ask to be mentored or offer to mentor someone else. The more you engage, the more confidence you build and the more your voice is heard. SME is a platform where members can grow and lead while helping others do the same. It is a great place to find your path and shape the future of the industry. What excites you most about the next wave of smart manufacturing, and what role do you hope women will play in shaping it?The convergence of data, automation and human insight is creating smarter and more sustainable operations. But what excites me most is the opportunity to expand who gets to lead. Throughout much of my career, I was often the only woman in the room. Today, that is changing. Smart manufacturing calls for leadership that is inclusive and adaptive. Women are already stepping into these roles, and I am excited to see how their ideas and strategies shape what comes next. Be Part of the Experience SME’s Women of SMART Virtual Experience is more than an event—it is a chance to connect, learn and grow alongside other women who are leading the charge in manufacturing. Join panelists like Jane Arnold, gain practical tools from Lisa Ryan’s leadership workshop, and discover new ways to build your influence and impact. Register now to save your spot!
