Women’s History Month: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders  

Jennifer Knight is ITA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials Industries, Critical Minerals and Metals

Women’s History Month is a time to honor the legacies of women who came before us and look forward to the possibilities for women and girls. At the International Trade Administration (ITA), we believe that investing in young women means investing in a future where women can lead without limitation. We also believe in committing ourselves to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility not only through words, but also through actions. This starts with addressing the barriers to inclusive economic growth and empowering women right here in our own communities.

Recently, I attended a presentation by three Fashion & Apparel Master’s students at the University of Delaware, Kendall Ludwig, Miranda Rack, and Hannah Laurits, hosted at the Department of Commerce. Their research explored opportunities for sustainable apparel and U.S. leadership in technical textiles production in sectors like medicine, automotives and beyond. The presentation also highlighted the competitiveness and recent growth of U.S.-made textile and apparel manufacturers.

Women make up half of the world’s population, but as of 2023, only 29.2% of the U.S. manufacturing workforce was made up of women. This statistic is reflective of the challenges that still exist for women in the labor market. But where there is a challenge, there is also opportunity.

In 2023 alone, U.S. exports of textiles and apparel amounted to $24.8 billion. As part of my duties in furthering ITA’s mission to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry, I found the depth and timing of the presentation impressive as it dove into niche topics important to consumers, brands, and retailers – all important stakeholders ITA aims to serve. But even more so, the presentation showed the leadership and tenacity embodied by this next generation of women leaders through the commitment the students showed to the topic.

We know that communities thrive when women are fully integrated into the workforce. That’s why it’s so important to encourage girls at a young age to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and related fields which provide skillsets needed in a range of critical sectors and industries. ITA is committed to uplifting women, and girls because as Under Secretary Lago often says, “It’s not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense – for sustainable, inclusive growth.”

Young professionals who are interested in creating a more inclusive economy can learn more about internship and career opportunities at ITA on our website!