Faces of Manufacturing | Episode 18 - Original Rosie The Riveters Celebration SOON!

Michigan Business Network

Faces of Manufacturing is a new show to Michigan Business Network. Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, Michigan, co-hosts with Joy Wagner, HR Manager of Granger Waste Services, also Lansing. Cindy and Joy strive to share the corporate culture, personal stories, and unique personalities of those making a living in manufacturing today, in Michigan. With that in mind, this month they connected with Original Rosie The Riveters and Michigan Rosies Organization Jeannette Guiterrez - Founder and Director Delphine Klaput - Rosie Diana - Her Daughter Virginia Rusch - Rosie Early Life and Family: Could you share a bit about your childhood and the community you grew up in? What were some of your favorite activities or hobbies when you were young? How did your family influence your values and work ethic? Joining the Workforce: What inspired you to join the workforce during World War II? How did you hear about the opportunities for women to work in manufacturing? Can you describe your first day on the job? What were your initial impressions? What kind of training did you receive before starting your work? What did your work attire consist of? Were there any specific uniforms or gear you wore? Can you describe the tools and equipment you used in your role? How was the pay structured for women working in manufacturing during the war? Did you feel that your contributions were valued and recognized at the time? How did your life change after the war ended? Legacy and Sharing Stories: How did you learn you were a "Rosie the Riveter"? What Rosie stories or lessons do you share with younger generations? What message would you like to convey to women entering the workforce today? How do you stay connected with other Rosies? What events do you regularly attend Jeannette Specific: What inspired you to start a nonprofit focused on educating people about the Rosies? What does "Rosie the Riveter" symbolize for you personally, and how does that influence the mission of your nonprofit? Can you explain what specific challenges Rosies faced during World War II, and why it's important to remember and honor their contributions today? What are some common misconceptions people have about the Rosies, and how do you address them through your nonprofit’s work? How do you gather stories and information to share about individual Rosies? Are there any particularly moving or unique stories that stand out to you? Can you tell us about any collaborations your organization has had with schools, museums, or other cultural institutions to highlight the contributions of the Rosies? In what ways does your nonprofit work to create a space for Rosies to share their experiences with one another? How does your nonprofit use digital media or social platforms to raise awareness and tell the stories of these remarkable women? Looking ahead, what do you hope your nonprofit will achieve in the next 5-10 years in terms of preserving and promoting the legacy of the Rosies?