FEBRUARY | MARCH 2023
Exclusive News From Boeing
Nikki Then inspects a wire bundle on the 767 Tanker . ( Photo Marian Lockhart )
Advancing Women in Manufacturing
By Ivan Gale
Monzelle McWilliams has reasons both personal and professional driving his passion for encouraging more women to join Boeing ’ s manufacturing workforce .
As Manufacturing Hiring Manager with Commercial Airplanes in Everett , Washington , McWilliams is part of a recruiting team that constantly looks to uncover underutilized or hidden pools of talent in the workforce to help Boeing deliver on quality . One of those categories is talented women .
Ivan Gale
Boeing Communications
Watch U . S . Fly www . watchusfly . com
Ivan Gale is a member of the Boeing communications team supporting the company ’ s manufacturing operations . He is based in Arlington , Virginia .
“ I don ’ t have to look far to know women can excel in these roles ,” McWilliams said . His wife , Shana , was a Boeing mechanic and electrician for 25 years . “ She did all the hands-on work — removing struts , structure work , drilling through titanium , you name it ,” he said .
Now retired , Shana McWilliams believes there is still work to do to change perceptions in society about women in manufacturing .
“ There is still bias and resistance that women can be mechanics ,” she said . “ Giving them opportunities can drive this issue forward . It is just about trusting the process and demonstrating they are as capable as anyone .”
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