‘We Are The Future’

Women of Steel Forge a New Era of Education and Activism

Nearly 800 Women of Steel descended upon Toronto, Canada, to harness their global solidarity, hone their leadership skills, and usher in a “new era” of education at the 2026 USW International Women’s Conference.

The conference spanned March 29 – April 2, uniting the sisters and activists as they celebrated the organization’s new direction under the leadership of the USW’s trailblazing International President Roxanne Brown. 

In her keynote address to the packed ballroom of the Sheraton Centre Hotel, Brown underscored the significance of this women’s conference as the first major USW event to follow the historic March 1, 2026, installation of officers, where the USW installed her as its first woman international president. 

It was a moment that was years in the making. 

“That moment on March 1 where I became international president wasn’t about me; it was about and for all of us,” recalled Brown. “It was a moment that captured so many hopes, dreams, silent struggles, prayers, and so much more. We did it, together, and we will continue to do this work together because we have so much ahead of us.” 

The location of the conference was also symbolic. District 6 Director Kevon Stewart emphasized this in his welcoming remarks to the delegation, reminding the attendees that Women of Steel had deep roots in District 6. 

“It took a great leader in Leo Gerard to recognize the need for this program,” Stewart said. “He knew that our union is strongest when everyone has a voice and a place at the table.” 

A Turning Point 

WOS Director Randie Pearson introduced the conference theme by telling members they were witnessing “a turning point in our union’s history.”

Pearson continued, “When we say ‘Education for a New Era,’  this is what we mean. We’re not just talking about the future. We are the future.”

Nearly half of the conference’s packed audience were first-time attendees, many of them galvanized to participate under the historic new leadership of Brown. 

Penny Maylen, a Phillips 66 lab technician and member of USW Local 555 in District 13, sought greater education and involvement in her local. She advocated for herself and convinced her local leadership to send her to her first-ever WOS conference to broaden her skill set. 

Maylen felt “empowered” to be attending her first conference, adding that the atmosphere of the event made her “feel like we’re going to make a difference.” The highlight, though, was the education. 

“I want to get the education to come back home and improve things at my local,” Maylen said. “I’m taking in everything and writing down every speaker.” 

Workshops spanned two full days of the conference, offering 29 classes covering a range of topics, including bargaining for equity, resiliency training, domestic violence in the workplace, effective communication, gender-affirming care, male allyship, and more.

For Emily Brannon, vice president of Local 310L in District 11, the educational offerings felt more expansive than ever as a three-time WOS conference attendee. 

“There are quite a few workshops I haven’t taken before,” Brannon said. “I’m looking forward to what I can learn to bring back. This experience puts a little fire under you to learn more and go back and do big things at your local.” 

Stronger Together

Women of Steel embodied the spirit of solidarity and activism as they took to the streets for the “We Are Stronger Together” rally with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow on the conference’s final full day. 

Activists chanted together, reaffirmed their commitment to knowing and using their power in their workplaces and communities, and listened as an incredible line-up of speakers challenged them to shape the future with their leadership.  

USW International Vice President at Large Amber Miller urged WOS activists to “stay in the arena.”

“This morning, I’m asking each of you to know your power and step into it,” Miller said. “Speak up in the rooms you’re in. Step forward for the committees, for the campaigns, for the tough fights. Tell your story, even when your voice shakes. Because when women share the truth of what we’ve survived, what we’ve built, and what we’re fighting for, we change the world.”

Miller’s rallying cry is one that many WOS activists are already answering. 

Terra Samuel, from USW Local 1010 at Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor, is heeding the call. 

“I’m running in my area for Ross Township advisory board,” Samuel said, noting the significant role that Women of Steel played in her desire to run. 

“It’s given me the courage to step up and do epic shit, just like Roxy says.”