Women in 3D Printing, a non-profit organization, was formed in 2014 by Nora Toure of Fast Radius. In just five years, she helped build it into a community of more than 10,000 women worldwide. From the beginning, it has been her ambition to share stories of women helping to shape the additive manufacturing industry. Based on my experience over the past 30+ years, women are dramatically underrepresented in product development and manufacturing worldwide. In fact, the ratio may be close to 10:1, although it has improved slightly in recent years. Women in 3D Printing seeks to close this gender-gap in additive manufacturing. I fully support this goal of a better balance of women and men.

I have known about Women in 3D Printing for years, but it was not until November 2019 that I attended an activity by the organization. It was a panel session as part of the 20th annual RAPDASA conference and exhibition in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (RAPDASA stands for the Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa.) The panel was led by Malika Khodja of Tiziri. She serves as the African chair of Women in 3D Printing and is also a contributor to Wohlers Report 2020. I was impressed by the enthusiasm and quality of information shared at this engaging session.

The organization is showcasing, celebrating, and profiling the work of women leaders worldwide. They include engineers, business professionals, teachers, researchers, artists, and designers. Women in 3D Printing is creating a notable list of global events, gatherings, panel sessions, and company tours. Much of the work is conducted by its local ambassadors and regional chairs, such as Malika. Its many chapters meet regularly and encourage an inclusive and diverse AM workforce. The organization has created a database of female speakers, platform for hiring, industry surveys, reports, and an annual TIPE global conference, which is January 27-28, 2021. (TIPE stands for Technology, Industry, People, and Economics.)

I applaud and endorse the work of Women in 3D Printing. Many closest to the organization are “Rock Stars in 3D Printing,” in my view. In a spirit of support, Wohlers Associates recently became a corporate member and TIPE sponsor. Women in 3D Printing has become one of the most influential and largest AM communities worldwide. I urge you to support the important work of this impressive and fast-growing organization.