Katie O’Connor

Katie O’Connor has always been a maker. From a childhood spent in her grandfather’s workshop—a skilled woodworker and stained glass artist—to sewing costumes as a teen, she is committed to making manufacturing more equitable, accessible, and supportive of makers. She brings a background in industrial sewing, design, and workforce development, with a lifelong passion for hands-on creativity and craft.

In 2013, Katie was hired as an inaugural member of the Shinola Detroit leather studio, where she worked with a team of designers and leatherworkers to develop accessories. She later led the Training & Development department at Industrial Sewing & Innovation Center where she taught ISAIC’s proprietary curriculum Fundamentals of Industrial Sewing & Production (FISP), managed staff training, and supported the multiple national apprenticeship programs.

It was during her work at ISAIC that Katie discovered Mechanism. A fervent fan of the annual Design Jam and the work that the Mechanism had done with flexible product fabrication, Katie leapt at the opportunity to join the team. Joining Mechanism felt like a natural next step in her commitment to supporting makers and advancing equity in manufacturing.

Katie currently lives outside of beautiful Detroit, Michigan with her partner Albert, her 9-year old daughter, pet rats, and several sewing machines. She serves as Chair of the Apprenticeship Subcommittee for Closely Crafted, a nonprofit founded by Gigi Burris in 2022 dedicated to preserving artisanal craft in the US. Katie has a background in Theater and Fashion design, and, when not working, can be found sewing.