More than 100 professionals from across the U.S. textile industry gathered in Asheville, N.C., March 30–April 1 for the eighth annual Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Women in Textiles Summit, a dynamic, multiday event focused on leadership, mentorship and advancing women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
The summit combined keynote presentations, panel discussions, hands-on learning and immersive networking experiences designed to strengthen both individual careers and the broader textile community. In addition to conference sessions, attendees participated in curated activities including an authentic Asheville “Detour,” Trivia Night, a Networking Walk and small-group breakout discussions.
While women represent a significant share of the textile workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles. The summit addressed this gap head-on, creating a space where attendees could share experiences, build relationships and gain practical strategies for growth.
Across sessions and conversations, a common thread emerged: mentorship, visibility and community are essential to advancing women—and the industry as a whole.
Opening keynote sets tone
The summit opened with a keynote from professional speaker and emcee Tina VanSteenbergen, who challenged attendees to rethink how they show up in their careers and lives.
Her message: stop shrinking.
“You don’t have to burn the box down,” VanSteenbergen said. “But you do have to stop making yourself smaller to fit inside it.”
She encouraged attendees to take up space in three key ways:
- Physical space: showing up authentically and confidently
- Emotional space: recognizing that feelings are not a weakness, but valuable data
- Vocal space: using one’s voice without apology
“Your voice isn’t in the way—it’s needed,” she said. “You are not a burden. You are not an inconvenience. You are a gift to the people around you.”
Industry insights and personal journeys
The program continued with a series of sessions that blended industry insight with personal experience.
Claire Crunk, founder of Trace Femcare, delivered an eye-opening presentation on the intersection of textile manufacturing and women’s health. She highlighted the risks associated with opaque supply chains and called for a more transparent, accountable “farm-to-flow” model.
Later, Deidre Goodwin, founder and CFO of HALTZGLOVES, shared her entrepreneurial journey from a safety challenge to building an internationally recognized brand. A former police officer, Goodwin turned a problem—not being seen while directing traffic—into an innovative product, high-visibility reflective gloves, that are now used around the world.
Jennifer Knight, president of Orient Point Strategic Advisors, added a leadership perspective, sharing how a series of “pivot points” shaped her career from the plant floor to the boardroom and public service.
Panel discussion highlights careers and growth
One of the most engaging sessions of the summit was a panel discussion on career development, moderated by Jasmine Cox-Wade, executive director of the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College. Panelists included Amy Jenkins, regional president – Americas, Teijin Aramid; Paige Mullis, senior sales executive, MMI Textiles; and Heather Meitl, sales account manager, Beverly Knits Inc.
The conversation focused on navigating evolving career paths, embracing uncertainty and redefining success over time.
“Careers in textiles rarely follow a straight line—and that’s okay,” Jenkins said. “Some of the best opportunities come when you step into the unknown.”
Mullis emphasized the importance of curiosity and continuous learning: “You don’t have to have it all figured out. Showing up and being willing to learn goes a long way.”
Meitl highlighted the importance of balance and self-awareness: “It’s okay to let go of the idea that you have to do everything perfectly—both at work and at home.”
Hands-on learning and real-world impact
The summit also included interactive experiences designed to connect attendees more closely with textile manufacturing.
A hands-on warp knit session allowed participants to examine fabric structures using pick glasses and explore the evolution of warp knit technologies. The session highlighted the importance of technical knowledge and showcased career pathways that begin on the production floor and evolve into leadership roles.
Moderated by Jenny Nichols of XACT Engineered Manufacturing Solutions and Matrix Technology, the session featured Tonya Inthavong and Donna Norris of Apex Mills, who shared how their careers grew from the production floor into leadership roles — proof of just how far hands-on experience can take you.
Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the Asheville facility operated by National Industries for the Blind, gaining insight into inclusive manufacturing practices and workforce development initiatives that create meaningful employment opportunities.
Breakout sessions with VanSteenbergen, including a “Deep Dive with the Enneagram,” offered additional opportunities for personal reflection and growth.
For more information about the ATA Women in Textiles Summit, visit textiles.org/events/women-in-textiles-summit.
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