Rosie the Riveter’s Legacy Lives On: Career WayZ CEO & Apprentices Lead Panels at St. Louis Community College Women in Manufacturing Day—Featuring Female Youth Welders and Machine Operators
December 15, 2025
Rosie the Riveter
Last Friday, December 12th, we witnessed something powerful at St. Louis Community College, a modern echo of Rosie the Riveter’s iconic call to women across America. During World War II, Rosie symbolized strength, skill, and the courage of women who stepped into industrial roles that reshaped the nation. She proved that women not only belonged in manufacturing but that they could lead, innovate, and elevate the quality of the American workforce.
That same spirit was unmistakable last Friday as Cynthia Walker and her four Career WayZ teenage young ladies strapped on a mic and shared their inspiring and highly motivating apprenticeship stories to a crowd of female peers being introduced to the manufacturing training provided at STCC.
Shaping the Experience
The presenting companies played a central role in shaping this experience:
The panelists, Ava Turner (Seyer Industries-Ft. Zumwalt School District), Ana Douglas (Quest Specialty Products-Ft. Zumwalt School District), Emerson Luetemeyer (Trinity Products-St. Charles School District), and Devyn Seavert (National Cart-Ft. Zumwalt School District) displayed remarkable courage and honesty. Leaders from Hydromat came out to support the initiative with their booth and enthusiasm. They shared personal stories that brought clarity and authenticity to the discussion, showing the young audience that women in manufacturing are driven, capable, and determined.
The leadership from our presenting companies brought depth and perspective to the day. Mark Seyer of Seyer Industries reinforced the powerful message that young women do not have to choose between college and career, many pursue both pathways and excel. Craig Moore of Quest Specialty Products shared how Quest has intentionally built a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where women can thrive. Bryan Davis of Trinity Products highlighted the timeless character traits he seeks in every apprentice, grit & coachability-values that were clearly reflected in Emerson’s powerful apprenticeship story. National Cart’s Andrea Rumfelt added a passionate voice to the conversation, emphasizing their commitment to identifying and nurturing exceptional young female talent in an industry that needs their skills and leadership. Their leaders and HR professionals showed a united commitment to not just being "open" to hire, but actively pursuing the next generation of female talent.
Women in Manufacturing Day
Women in Manufacturing Day was designed to introduce young women to the many high-skill, high-wage pathways available in advanced manufacturing. The day featured panel discussions led by women at various stages of their careers including youth apprentices, early-career technicians, and professionals who are shaping manufacturing workplaces across the St. Louis region. Their stories provided a real-world look at what is possible when young women are given access, support, and a pathway forward.
Students also engaged in hands-on learning activities that allowed them to explore machining, welding, aerospace components, fabrication, and other technical specialties. These experiences offered an accurate and inspiring view of modern manufacturing—far different from outdated stereotypes. Thank you, Dr. Vincent Boyd and Dan Kania of STCC for your warm hospitality.
Female Youth Apprentices
Female students from numerous local high schools attended, representing districts such as Ft. Zumwalt, St. Charles, Gateway Stem and others committed to expanding workforce readiness opportunities for their students. Throughout the event, they networked with women who are already contributing meaningfully to the region’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem, gaining insight into the real challenges and opportunities of the field.
Missouri currently has 226 active female youth apprentices, but only 19 are working in manufacturing (US DOL-Office of Apprenticeship, November 2025). That is beginning to change. Through the Career WayZ Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator, led by St. Louis regional manufacturing employers, four young women were hired in St. Charles County this past spring, and an additional six female manufacturing hires are projected by the end of 2025. These young women consistently demonstrate the strengths employers value most: grit, attention to detail, dexterity, maturity, and reliability.
One of the most moving moments of the day came when Ava Turner of Seyer Industries was awarded a $10,000 scholarship to support her skilled-trade postsecondary education. She was stunned when Mark Seyer, President of Seyer Industries, personally presented the award. It was a powerful reminder of what employer investment looks like in action and the impact a committed and passionate mentor, Chance Henke, can have on personal and professional development with our youth.
Additionally, human resource leaders Andrea Rumfelt and Denise Nickles offered practical, direct advice to the students, emphasizing the importance of speaking up, advocating for themselves, and using their voice even when it feels difficult. Their message resonated deeply: courage and communication are essential tools for women entering traditionally male-dominated fields, especially when you are 16 and 17 years old.
Brave, Transparent and Compelling
Our panelists were brave, transparent, and compelling. They brought a sense of reality and inspiration that made it clear to everyone in the room: these young women are fierce, motivated, and ready to work hard for the futures they envision.
Last Friday was more than an event; it was a turning point. It reminded us that Rosie the Riveter’s legacy is not frozen in the past. It is alive and advancing through the young women who are stepping into modern manufacturing with confidence and purpose.
The next generation of Rosies is already here. They are capable. They are prepared. And they are ready to build.
Schedule a consultation here: https://careerwayz.org/contact
Follow Career WayZ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-wayz-missouri/
Follow Cynthia Walker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-walker-46b8087a/
