Pushing for more women to get into manufacturing, programs like the Real Life Rosies through the Manufacturers Association of Central New York have helped women find their footing in the field. 

“This is our mixed four-pack that we do for our client," said Alexandra Bakiewicz, the operations manager at Progress Industries for the ARC, Oneida Lewis Chapters. "Golden artists, so they do different art projects, things like that. We do a lot of the paint brushes and then pack boxes for them, different folding tasks."

She says since coming back to Central New York, she secured her dream job, thanks to the Manufacturers Association of Central New York’s Real Life Rosies Program. 

“I’m passionate about working with people with disabilities and was looking for employment," Bakiewicz said. "I was more interested in shying away from the marketing side of things and try and learn a new skill. So I enrolled in the Real Life Rosies Program, I saw it on the news and that’s really where everything got started." 

Real Life Rosies is a pre-apprenticeship program that encourages more women to pursue careers in the advanced manufacturing industry. 

“We learned a lot about robotics manufacturing, CNC machinery, tools, power tools, all of that kind of stuff," Bakiewicz said. "On top of that, we also went and did on-site visits with local businesses. In those local businesses, we got to see the diversity there is in this area with manufacturing." 

A few months after receiving her certification, she landed at the ARC, a statewide organization that supports people with disabilities. As operations manager at Progress Industries, she oversees the packaging and fulfillment services. 

“We at this location and other locations do have an integrated workforce," Bakiewicz said. "We have working mentors and then we also have people with disabilities. So we’re working together to make sure that people with disabilities have the skill sets they need to be integrated into the community and jobs in the community."

Thankful to be in a career that supports women and people with disabilities. 

“This is the first time in a long time I’ve found fulfillment in what I do and I’m really happy and lucky,” said Bakiewicz.