IMA Women Makers Presents: Forging Forward 

A Panel of Women Shaping the Future of Manufacturing

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

The Cellar (Lower Level)

798 W. Algonquin Road

Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Thursday, October 29th

3:00pm - 6:00pm

Join the IMA and Wintrust as we bring together manufacturing professionals from across Illinois (women, men, and allies) to build relationships, exchange perspectives, and explore how we can support women’s growth and leadership throughout the industry.

What to expect 

• Networking reception with appetizers, drinks, and Cooper's Hawk wine.
• A panel discussion featuring women leaders from a range of manufacturing roles 
• Conversation on career growth, leadership, mentorship, and workplace culture 
• Insights on automation, AI, innovation, and the future of manufacturing 
• Live audience polling and Q&A 
• Opportunities to connect with manufacturing professionals from across Illinois before and after the panel 
• Small-group conversation and peer networking with fellow attendees

 

Come for the connections, stay for the conversation. Leave with new ideas, and a few new people in your corner. 

This event is open to everyone, including women, men, and allies. 

Registration closes Friday, October 23, 2026.

Cancellations must be received in writing by Friday, October 23, 2026. Refunds will not be made after October 23, 2026.

Agenda

3:00pm                 Networking

3:30pm                 Welcome & Panel Discussion

4:45pm                 Networking

6:00pm                 Event ends

Panelists

Kara Demirjian Huss

Vice President and Global Marketing Director

TCCI

Founder and President

DCC Marketing



Kara Demirjian Huss is a nationally recognized leader in American manufacturing advancement, policy communications, and workforce innovation. As President of DCC Marketing and Senior Vice President of TCCI Manufacturing, she drives initiatives that strengthen U.S. supply chains, support onshoring of critical technologies, and expand skilled jobs across the Midwest. A strong advocate for American industrial leadership, Kara has guided public-private partnerships that promote domestic manufacturing and regional competitiveness. She has played a pivotal role in reshoring production of critical compressor and HVAC components, expanding advanced training opportunities, and enhancing collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

Jessica Ashley Garmon

Chief Operating Officer and Chief General Counsel

The Will Group

Nearly four decades after its establishment, The Will Group has grown, evolved and expanded into a family of diverse companies that provide a comprehensive range of products and services to the construction and utility industries including supply, engineering, program management, warehousing and assembly. Operating under the philosophy and mission “Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way”, the corporate culture of The Will Group fosters ingenuity and creativity with every endeavor. Our competitive distinction is our ability to be an all-encompassing solutions provider. We make positive contributions to our customers and community. This process is not just transactional, its transformational. 

Kathryn Kurinsky

Director, Human Resources

NORIX

Kathryn Kurinsky is the Human Resources Director for Norix, a furniture manufacturer headquartered in West Chicago. She joined Norix almost 7 years ago as an HR department of one, and has built the company's HR function from the ground up. Today she oversees all aspects of Human Resources for Norix’s 130 employees.

Kathryn has 25 years of HR experience with 10 of those years in the manufacturing sector. Her experience has given her an appreciation for the unique challenges facing today's manufacturers, from attracting and retaining talent to developing the next generation of leaders.

Kathryn holds a bachelor's degree from Loyola University Chicago and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. She is passionate about helping employees build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and recognize the value they bring to the workplace.

Karen Galivan

Partner

RSM US LLP

Karen Galivan has more than 25 years of experience delivering tax consulting services to clients. She has served midsize businesses and closely held corporations in the consumer, industrial and private equity industries. She specializes in providing tax and accounting services to clients, as well as being a mentor to fellow strategists. Karen serves as a member of RSM US LLP Board of Directors and a board member of RSM’s transatlantic partnership.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

Save the Date!

The IMA Women Makers Series is Coming to Your Region!

 Downstate - Marion: November 18th - Ethos at the Citadel 

Chicago End-of-Year Happy Hour: December 10th - (Location: ChicagoTBD)