UMA’s 2025 Regional Convening: Austin

UMA’s Industry & Inclusion team hosted its Spring 2025 I&I South Gathering at the Make It Center on Austin Community College’s Highland Campus. This 1.5-day convening, held from the morning of Wednesday, April 2 through the early afternoon of Thursday, April 3, brought together a select group of partners and cohort members for two days of collaboration, learning, and inspiration.

Presented by the Urban Manufacturing Alliance, in partnership with The Century Foundation, this invite-only event provided a unique opportunity for participants of the Industry & Inclusion South cohort to deepen connections, and explore practical tools to advance inclusive workforce development in manufacturing.

The agenda featured:

• Cohort sessions and peer feedback to elevate shared learning
• Technical assistance meetings
• Interactive workshops on human-centered design
• Site tours of ACC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Media Labs
• A walking tour of South Congress (SOCO) and group dinner at a local favorite, Fresa’s
• Round-robin coaching sessions to close out the gathering with actionable insights

In recognition of the commitment and leadership of our cohort members, the gathering was free of cost to invited participants, with funding provided to cover lodging, meals, and approved travel expenses for up to two individuals per institution.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us in Austin and contributed to the energy and vision of this growing community of practice.