Oakland Community College is hosting its second annual EmpowHER event on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m. on the Auburn Hills campus. A panel of distinguished female professionals will share their experiences paving the way for future generations in skilled trades.
The event will spotlight women thriving in skilled trades careers and raise awareness about the wide range of opportunities available to females in these fields. Hosted by OCC’s Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies (EMIT) department, the event will feature a short presentation on OCC’s EMIT/Skilled Trades curriculum; a panel discussion and Q&A; and a tour of OCC’s Skilled Trades facilities.
The expert professional lineup includes:
Moderator
- Catherine Withrow, Field Construction Manager, Barton Malow
Panelists
- Katie Austin, Application Manager, FANUC
- Amber Koelzer, Facility Performance Manager, T.H. Eifert Mechanical Contractors
- Vinessa Palermo, Owner/CEO, LaSalle Construction Services
- Shannon Wroblewski, Software Test Engineering - SDI Lab Operations Supervisor, General Motors
“We are seeing more women student interest in skilled trades careers at OCC. This event is an excellent opportunity to hear from some of the most successful women in the field and learn more about the many career paths through OCC,” said Beau Everitt, Academic Dean of OCC’s EMIT department.
For more information and to register, visit EmpowHER. For questions, contact Lina Gerchak at lxgercha@oaklandcc.edu.
About OCC
Celebrating 60 years, Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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