Clarissa Schwendeman, director of marketing at A3, the Association for Advancing Automation, kicked off with a powerful call to action. “While women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, only about 30% are in manufacturing, and just one in four hold management roles. That gap matters—not just for representation, but because diverse perspectives fuel innovation,” she said, reminding the packed room that “automation is changing how we manufacture, move goods, and solve labor challenges. But who shapes this future makes all the difference.”

The panel tackled the future head-on, discussing AI’s role in automation. “AI won’t replace us,” Große Frie stressed. “It will augment human potential and transform how we collaborate.” The message seemed to land clearly—technology works best when it amplifies people, not replace them.

When Kling raised a question about self-confidence and stepping into executive roles, Parrot’s’s response resonated. “Think about how your brothers or dads would never doubt themselves for a role like this. You have to own your experience, be your own advocate, and take that leap.”

Editor’s Note: Vision Systems Design’s WISE (Workers in Science and Engineering) hub features our coverage of workplace issues in engineering as well as insights from equity-seeking groups and subject matter experts across disciplines.