ATA Women in Textiles Summit 2026 Celebrates Leadership and Community

Annual conference highlights mentorship, visibility, and industry impact for women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring an elegant arrangement of premium textile materials and tools, including spools of thread, fabric swatches, and sewing shears, set against a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic lighting and deep shadows.A thoughtfully curated collection of textile materials and tools, symbolizing the craftsmanship, innovation, and community that define the women-led future of the industry.Asheville Today

More than 100 textile industry professionals gathered in Asheville, North Carolina for the 8th annual ATA Women in Textiles Summit, a dynamic multiday event focused on leadership development, mentorship, and advancing women's roles in the industry. The summit featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, hands-on learning experiences, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen individual careers and the broader textile community.

Why it matters

While women make up a significant portion of the textile workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions. The ATA Women in Textiles Summit aims to address this gap by creating a space for attendees to share experiences, build relationships, and gain practical strategies for growth and advancement.

The details

The summit's program combined industry insights and personal journeys, including a keynote from professional speaker Tina VanSteenbergen challenging attendees to 'stop shrinking' and take up more physical, emotional, and vocal space. Other sessions featured presentations on textile manufacturing and women's health, entrepreneurial success stories, and a panel discussion on navigating evolving career paths. Hands-on learning experiences, such as a warp knit workshop and a tour of an inclusive manufacturing facility, connected attendees more closely with textile production.

  • The 8th annual ATA Women in Textiles Summit took place March 30 - April 1, 2026 in Asheville, North Carolina.
  • The summit has been held annually since 2018.

The players

Tina VanSteenbergen

A professional speaker and emcee who delivered the summit's opening keynote, challenging attendees to rethink how they show up in their careers and lives.

Claire Crunk

Founder of Trace Femcare, who presented on the intersection of textile manufacturing and women's health, highlighting the need for more transparent supply chains.

Deidre Goodwin

Founder and CFO of HALTZGLOVES, who shared her entrepreneurial journey from a safety challenge to building an internationally recognized brand.

Jennifer Knight

President of Orient Point Strategic Advisors, who shared how a series of 'pivot points' shaped her career from the plant floor to the boardroom and public service.

Jasmine Cox-Wade

Executive director of the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College, who moderated a panel discussion on career development.

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What they’re saying

“You don't have to burn the box down, but you do have to stop making yourself smaller to fit inside it.”

— Tina VanSteenbergen, Professional speaker and emcee

“Careers in textiles rarely follow a straight line—and that's okay. Some of the best opportunities come when you step into the unknown.”

— Amy Jenkins, Regional president – Americas, Teijin Aramid

“You don't have to have it all figured out. Showing up and being willing to learn goes a long way.”

— Paige Mullis, Senior sales executive, MMI Textiles

What’s next

The ATA Women in Textiles Summit is an annual event, with the next edition scheduled for March 2027 in a location to be determined.

The takeaway

The ATA Women in Textiles Summit demonstrates the textile industry's commitment to supporting and advancing women's leadership, fostering a sense of community, and highlighting the critical role women play in shaping the future of this dynamic sector.