MBN was “On The Road” on Friday, March 13th, for Michigan’s Rosie the Riveter Day 2026.
In this special Faces of Manufacturing episode, the 40-minute video highlights the experience of the 4th Annual Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day—an inspiring celebration of Michigan’s manufacturing legacy and the women who helped shape it. Click play on the YouTube video shared below:
Attendees stepped into a day filled with Original Rosies, U.S. Veterans, Tuskegee Airmen, and tributes to Rosies in aerospace, farming, and the skilled trades. Experience vintage planes, WWII-era singers, dynamic speakers, and a community united in gratitude. The gathering was able to explore hands-on STEM activities for kids, meet inspiring leaders, visit unique vendors, and connect with manufacturers, trades workers, robotics teams, scout troops, families, students and history enthusiasts from across Michigan.
This was more than an event—it’s a celebration of courage, innovation, unity, and the unstoppable American spirit.
Hosted by the Capital Area Manufacturing Council (CAMC), Cindy Kangas – Faces of Manfacturing’s Co-Host leads the session along with Emcee on the day Sherry Jones. This year’s event returned to the Capital Region International Airport. It brought together aerospace, agriculture, and industry in a powerful tribute to the original “Rosies”—including a new focus on “Rosies on the Farm.” The event honors the women whose work during World War II transformed the American workforce, while also recognizing today’s leaders and innovators across Michigan’s manufacturing sector.
The program features a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, industry leaders, and workforce advocates, along with the presentation of Rosie Awards celebrating outstanding women in manufacturing, education, and community impact.
Beyond the stage, the event offers a hands-on, multi-generational experience with interactive exhibits, robotics demonstrations, and historical tributes—from the Tuskegee Airmen to the “Doughnut Dollies.” It’s designed to inspire the next generation while connecting families to Michigan’s rich industrial heritage.
This episode explores how events like Michigan Rosie Day play a critical role in strengthening the talent pipeline, encouraging women to pursue careers in STEM and the skilled trades, and ensuring that Michigan’s manufacturing future remains strong, innovative, and inclusive.
Learn more or check out the information and experience at: mirosieday.org »
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In the days ahead of this year’s event watch Cindy and Chris discuss details on Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day in Lansing and how it inspires women in manufacturing, STEM, and the skilled trades in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris had several questions for Cindy in this conversation:
What’s happening in Manufacturing and CAMC at this time?
Tell me about the event you have coming up?
Why is it important to celebrate Rosies?
What activities and speakers will be attending?
How does this support women in STEM careers and young ladies in the talent pipeline?
- Where can people find more information?
https://mirosieday.org/
(LANSING, MI) — Michigan’s manufacturing and agricultural legacies will unite on Friday, March 13, 2026, as the 4th Annual Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day arrives at the Capital Region International Airport. This year’s celebration marks a major expansion for the event, bridging the worlds of aerospace and industry with a first-of-its-kind tribute to Michigan’s wartime “Rosies on the Farm.” The gathering honors the women who redefined the American workforce during WWII and the trailblazers leading Michigan’s industries today.
Emceed by Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame inductee Sheri Jones, the afternoon is a vibrant, multi-generational celebration featuring a breathtaking vintage aircraft flyover and a veteran pin ceremony led by Retired Col. Frank J. Walker. A robust lineup of keynote speakers will address the crowd, including Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and leaders from UAW Region 1, Jiffy Mix, and the Michigan Department of Corrections Vocational Village. The program will also feature the presentation of ten Rosie Awards, honoring outstanding women in industry from across the state, Rosie families in memoriam, and educators dedicated to empowering their students with the Rosie spirit of grit and innovation.
“Michigan Rosie Day honors the women whose skill and resolve kept Michigan moving during wartime,” said Cindy Kangas, Executive Director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council. “We hope their example inspires today’s women in STEM and the skilled trades to pursue bold careers, and that these stories continue to shape how we teach, recruit, and remember.”
“Seeing my grandmother’s story honored alongside these incredible women is more than just a history lesson—it’s a homecoming. For our family, this day is about ensuring that her courage and hard work aren’t just remembered, but are used to fuel the dreams of her great-grandchildren,” said Madelyn Taylor, daughter of Clara.
“The women who built planes in the 1940s share the same spirit as the people in our shops and on our farms today. By honoring the ‘Rosies on the Farm’ alongside our manufacturing pioneers, we’re showing the next generation that there is a place for everyone in Michigan’s workforce,” said Tanya Blehm, event coordinator.
Experience Hands-On History
The airport event space will serve as a hands-on history hub where Michigan’s legacy comes to life. Featuring interactive exhibits from Impression 5 Science Center, local robotics teams, and Jiffy Mix, the event is designed for kids and grandparents to explore side-by-side. In a tribute to the legendary “Doughnut Dollies,” the American Red Cross of Michigan will be in attendance dressed in historic character to share the story of the brave women who served on the front lines during WWII. From the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and the REOlds Transportation Museum to the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan and the League of Enchantment, there is something to spark curiosity in every generation.
Grab your favorite red polka-dot scarf, throw on some denim, and help Michigan keep history alive!
EVENT DETAILS
WHEN: Friday, March 13, 2026
TIME: 4:00 PM
WHERE: Capital Region International Airport (4100 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI)
WEBSITE: Visit mirosieday.org to share your family’s legacy or find event details.
