In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Andrew Crowe, a prominent figure in manufacturing, about the transformative impact of the American Manufacturing Renaissance Tour, now known as the Champions of Champions Tour. The tour has successfully increased STEM program enrollments and industry engagement in local communities. Andrew emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation in inspiring the next generation in manufacturing. The conversation delves into the need for empathy and understanding in promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. Andrew shares his personal journey, highlighting the value of second chances and mentorship in his rise from a troubled past to a successful manufacturing career and advocate for others. They discuss the challenges faced by communities with limited access to technical education, the significance of mentorship and advocacy, and the role of industry and community partnerships in bridging the skills gap. The episode also covers the importance of being intentional in outreach efforts and connecting manufacturing to the interests of young people. Takeaways: Representation and Diversity: Emphasize the importance of representation and diversity in the manufacturing industry to inspire and empower underrepresented communities. Champions of Champions Tour: Highlight the vital role of initiatives like the Champions of Champions Tour in educating and inspiring future generations, showcasing the potential of manufacturing as a career path. Addressing the Skills Gap: Collaboration between industry and community partners, as well as mentorship and advocacy, is crucial in addressing the skills gap. Intentional Outreach: Being intentional in outreach efforts is essential to connect with underrepresented communities and provide them with opportunities in manufacturing. Connecting to Young People: Making manufacturing relatable to young people's interests can make the industry more attractive as a career path. Telling Diverse Stories: Emphasize the importance of telling a variety of Black American stories to provide a more accurate and inclusive representation of the community's contributions to manufacturing. Role of Allies: Allies play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and supporting underrepresented communities in the industry. Being open to feedback and continually learning is key to being an effective ally. Creating Sustainable Career Paths: Working with schools and organizations to create accessible and sustainable career paths is essential for reaching communities that are underserved or have limited access to technical education. Connect with Drew on Linkedin A big shoutout to Speroni, the leader in tool management systems. Their dedication to precision and innovation in the manufacturing industry is unparalleled. Speroni is not just a sponsor; they are integral to advancing manufacturing excellence. Their support allows us to bring these valuable insights and discussions to you. We're also thrilled to welcome our new partner, ShopFloor Coffee. More than just a coffee brand, ShopFloor Coffee is a cause-driven business dedicated to supporting workforce development efforts. A portion of their proceeds goes towards apprenticeships and scholarships in Advanced Manufacturing, making every sip count towards a brighter future for the industry.  And here's something exciting for our listeners! Use the promo code "SkillUpAZ" to get 10% off your order at ShopFloor Coffee. Not only do you get a great deal on your coffee, but you also contribute to supporting apprenticeships and scholarships in Advanced Manufacturing. It's a win-win – enjoy fantastic coffee while helping to skill up the next generation of manufacturing professionals.