Jill Wiggins Makes History as First Female Chair of AEM Conference

In a significant milestone for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Jill Wiggins has become the first woman to chair the annual Product Safety & Steward Conference. Wiggins, a member of CNH's Global AG Parts & Service & Maintenance Development team, played a crucial role in organizing the event, which took place in Rosemont, Illinois. This conference is notable for being the only annual gathering that unites heavy equipment manufacturers, partners, and industry experts for educational purposes. As chair of the planning committee, Wiggins not only led the organization of the conference but also presented an interactive workshop focused on enhancing terminology effectiveness through Simplified Technical English (STE). Her workshop utilized artificial intelligence to engage participants and improve communication within the industry. Additionally, she actively promoted AEM's newly established Employee Resource Group, Women Impacting Product Safety (AEM WIPS), encouraging member participation and support. Wiggins expressed her personal and professional connection to the conference, stating, “This conference means a lot to me professionally and personally. I discovered a hidden passion as well as an opportunity for professional development.” Her leadership and initiatives at the conference highlight the growing role of women in the equipment manufacturing sector and underscore the importance of fostering diversity within the industry. The successful execution of the conference under Wiggins' leadership marks a progressive step for AEM and sets a precedent for future events, emphasizing the value of inclusive representation in industry leadership roles.