HWI’S Wise Event Success

A new element to the 2025 HWI C/I Seminar was the WISE Event – a special presentation celebrating the accomplishments of HWI Women in Industry, underscoring our ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of talent in the field of Material Science. HWI is proud to partner with the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation to help inspire and develop future leaders in the refractory industry.

Workforce shortages remain a significant challenge across our industry—a concern recognized not only by HWI but also by our C/I Advisory Council as a key issue facing our broader C/I Network. In response, HWI matched all attendee donations made during the event. Thanks to their incredible support, we successfully raised enough funds to fully sponsor two Material Science Classroom Kits to the following programs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Youth Science Academy is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation established to provide STEM-focused programs for students from all across the country and around the world. Their flagship program, the National Youth Science Camp, is a four-week session in the mountains of West Virginia that combines some of the brightest students in the country with top-notch scientists for lectures and outdoor adventures.

 

 

 

As the largest out-of-school-time provider in the region, the Boys and Girls Club focus on academic enrichment, emotional support, and building the skills needed for successful futures. By offering opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, they empower kids to shape their own path forward in a safe, nurturing environment.

While sending out two kits alone won’t solve the significant cross-industry talent challenges we face, it’s an important first step—and we’re proud to be part of the solution. The HWI Team remains fully committed to driving long-term change and supporting workforce development across our industries.

This fall, several HWI leaders will be actively contributing to important initiatives aimed at inspiring and equipping the next generation:

Ross Wilkin, Vice President, Americas, will attend the upcoming Refractory Institute (TRI) Fall Meeting, centered around the theme “Fueling the Future: Emerging Professionals.” With the refractories industry undergoing a generational transition, TRI is focused on attracting, retaining, and empowering new talent. The Emerging Professionals Track is more than just a meeting—it represents a strategic investment in the future of our industry.

Chris Kraft, Senior Director of Thermal and Foundries, presented at the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) training in Detroit, MI. The BAC provides high-quality training across a wide range of trowel trades—brick, stone, tile, marble, terrazzo, refractory, plaster, cement, and more—ensuring the next generation is equipped with the skills they need.

Griffin Patterson, Application Specialist, is actively involved with the American Foundry Society (AFS), which has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh to launch “Foundry in a Box.” This hands-on kit introduces students to metalcasting and foundry basics, offering them the opportunity to learn engineering principles and even take home their finished castings. Griffin also contributes to rebuilding the AFS student chapter at Pitt (Forging and Foundry Society), which is on track to gain accreditation from the Foundry Education Foundation. In addition, Griffin serves on the Board and Education Committee of the American Society for Materials (ASM), with a strong focus on STEM outreach such as SciTech Days at the Carnegie Science Center for middle and high school students.

Paul Stipanovich, Application Engineer, represents HWI on the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC), which is building workforce development programs focused on recruitment, performance, and retention. GMIC facilitates student engagement through science fairs, glass school competitions, and workforce recognition at key industry events like the Glass Problems Conference.

Bryn Snow, Director of Application Technology, concluded her term as Chair of the Ceramic and Glass Industry Council at this year’s Material Science and Technology Technical Meeting. Bryn served as a judge for the undergraduate and graduate poster contest and engage with Materials Advantage and Keramos members. She also attended the IGNITE Symposium, which equips students and early-career professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in the materials science field. The event bridges academia and industry to showcase the diverse career paths available.

At HWI, we’re constantly seeking new ways to build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline across all the industries we serve. If you’re aware of opportunities to engage and inspire the next generation of professionals, we encourage you to reach out to your HWI representative. Together, we can make a lasting impact.