October 4 is National Manufacturing Day 2024, and this year’s theme underscores the mission of this annual celebration. “See Yourself in Manufacturing” encourages students to envision well-paying careers that now include technology, design, AI, and boundless creativity. Mfg Day is celebrated the entire month of October in New Mexico, and while events are largely geared toward students, there is plenty for manufacturers and businesses with employees.

For example, New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership is collaborating with the economic development organization WESST to present two Mfg Day events that are oriented toward women entrepreneurs.

Visit WESST on October 25 to hear from three women about how they built their businesses. Amanda Powers launched Enchanted Farms Mushrooms to provide locally-grown, high-quality gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Chief Scientific Officer Janeth Pena leads Sandia BioTech’s research team in its mission to deliver powerful fluorescence technology that drives research and diagnostics to detect cancer. Veronica Fuller, owner of Sandia Pet Products, has taken her company well beyond leashes and pet products and into contract sewing for multiple clients.

Five days later, on Oct. 30, join WESST and MEP online for a panel discussion featuring resources available to women entrepreneurs.

Also on October 30, a small group of employers can meet with Kaiser Yang before his keynote presentation about innovation at Central New Mexico College. Yang is a globally recognized innovation leader and award-winning author who led transformative initiatives for industry giants like Microsoft, Disney, The Gap, and other Fortune 500 companies.

Find all Mfg Day events on the New Mexico MEP website, and check back often because organizers say they will be confirming new events up until the last day of October.