Mary Wardle is the President of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI). Mary Wardle is the International President of AWMI.  Prior to this position she served in four International Board positions and several chapter positions.  She has been in the steel industry for over 40 years starting in accounting and moving into purchasing/inventory control before moving to her passion of working directly with customers in Customer Service and then to Sales and Sales Management.  She is currently Director of Sales for Steelscape, LLC.

Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI) is an organization of professionals, founded in California in 1981, to promote and develop the growth of women in the metal industries. AWMI believes that women in similar industries can benefit themselves and their companies through relationships, education and shared knowledge. The programs and activities of AWMI are intended to enhance members’ skills and experience, address challenges confronting the industry, and promote members’ career growth with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of women employed in the metal industries. Membership is open to both women and men who are seeking to develop all aspects of their professional development and career advancement.

AWMI began with the vision of Heidi Doran, as an organization that would offer meetings and forums to promote and develop the educational backgrounds and professionalism of women in the metal industries. Additionally, it would provide a networking system for its members to meet other purchasing, sales and management women to enhance their careers and career opportunities.

On June 3, 1981, the organization was incorporated in the State of California. By April of 1982, AWMI felt strong enough to present itself to the entire industry and dispel the idea of “yet another women’s group”.