IAM 2026 Women’s and Young Workers Conference Celebrates 30 Years of Advancing Leadership
The IAM 2026 Women’s and Young Workers Conference brought together nearly 500 participants from across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, for several days of education, solidarity and leadership development.
Hosted by the IAM Women’s and Young Workers Department under the leadership of Director Dee Colbert, the conference empowered members to strengthen their voices, develop new skills and help build a more inclusive labor movement. Workshops, panel discussions and plenary sessions addressed the challenges facing women and young workers while highlighting the critical role they play in the IAM’s future.
“This conference is about ensuring that women and young workers know they have a place, a voice and a future in our union,” said Colbert. “When we give our members the education, resources and opportunities they need to lead, they return home ready to strengthen their locals, organize their workplaces and lift up the next generation.”
The gathering also marked the 30th anniversary of the IAM Women’s Department, which was established after delegates passed a resolution at the 1996 IAM International Convention. Over the past three decades, the department has helped generations of IAM women develop their leadership skills and become more active at every level of the union.
IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, the highest-ranking woman in IAM history and the first Latina to serve in the position, attended the 1996 IAM International Convention as a delegate and was among the leaders who pushed for the creation of the IAM Women’s Department. Thirty years later, Cervantes reflected on the progress made while urging delegates to continue opening doors for those who follow.
“Thirty years ago, IAM delegates made a powerful commitment to creating greater opportunities for women throughout our union,” said Cervantes. “We honor that legacy by continuing to break barriers, mentoring others and making sure the women coming behind us have every opportunity to lead. We may be the first, but we must never be the last.”
The conference also placed a strong emphasis on developing young activists who will carry the IAM’s mission forward. Delegates participated in conversations about organizing, communications, political engagement, mental health and the issues affecting younger workers and LGBTQ+ members.
IAM International President Brian Bryant praised attendees for bringing their experiences, ideas and energy to the conference.
“The future of the IAM is being built right here by members who are ready to step forward, take responsibility and lead,” said Bryant. “For generations, women have helped shape this union through their courage, determination and solidarity. By investing in women and young workers today, we are ensuring that the IAM remains strong, relevant and prepared to fight for working families for generations to come.”
Throughout the conference, delegates heard from IAM leaders, labor activists and fellow members about the power of solidarity and the importance of building a union in which every member can participate and lead.
As the IAM celebrates three decades of its Women’s Department, the 2026 Women’s and Young Workers Conference served as both a recognition of the progress already achieved and a call to continue building a stronger, more representative union.
The message from nearly 500 IAM delegates was clear: the next generation of labor leaders is ready to organize, mobilize and lead the IAM into the future.
Photos – Bling Fling Reception
The conference also moved beyond the meeting hall as IAM delegates joined labor and community allies for a Workers vs. Billionaires march and rally through downtown Chicago.
IAM members stood in solidarity with UNITE HERE Local 1 members fighting to secure a strong contract. The action reinforced the conference’s message that developing new leaders must go hand in hand with mobilizing members and standing with workers in their struggles for dignity, respect and economic justice.
LISTEN: WBBM-AM PRESS CLIP: IAM WORKERS vs. BILLIONAIRES
The rally also celebrated a landmark victory giving approximately 100,000 Illinois rideshare drivers a pathway to elect union representation through the IAM and SEIU Local 1 and bargain collectively for higher wages, improved benefits, stronger safety protections and fairer working conditions.
Led by IAM International President Brian Bryant and other labor and community leaders, participants delivered a clear message: working people are ready to stand together against corporate greed and organize for an economy that works for everyone.
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