From Dog Grooming to Mold Making

The first recipient of the Women in TMA's 2021 Grant program is a woman that has faced dramatic life changes over the past year. Not only did she become a mother for the first time in 2020, but she also changed career paths from dog grooming to manufacturing.

Rebekah Pflueger of Salem, Wisconsin, applied for financial assistance through the Women in TMA grant program, which awarded her $3,000. The funds were given to help with childcare and transportation costs as Rebekah continues her skills training.

When a family member suggested she pursue a career in CNC machining, Rebekah attended the College of Lake County (CLC) to learn the needed skills. Her college instructor referred her for an apprenticeship with NyproMold. Inc., in Gurnee, IL. After receiving CNC machining certification from CLC, Rebekah's boss at NyproMold encouraged her to advance her training at TMA in mold making.

It wouldn't be easy, though. "This grant would help me greatly to succeed in my career and desire to become a mold maker and to also give my child the best life that he deserves," Rebekah said in her WTMA grant request.

Rich Stueber, Operations Manager at NyproMold, encouraged WTMA to consider helping Rebekah. "I believe this grant will go a long way in helping Rebekah with the obstacles she faces. It would allow her to continue to follow her dream while remaining to be a valuable resource within our tooling industry," he wrote.

The Women in TMA established the grant to assist women in addressing barriers as they advance their manufacturing technology education and pursue industry careers. The grants assist with educational tuition, fees, related transportation, related childcare, and necessary equipment.