Advocacy is a key part of Women in Print Alliance’s mission-driven goal to strengthen the industry for all who work in in currently – and for the next gen talent pipeline who will follow. And raising the visibility of the printing industry in nationally, at the state-level, and in local communities is key to making that happen.

Meet just a few of the women in print who’ve put their boots (or heels) on the ground in our first year to tell print’s story and highlight womens’ roles in the print industry.

Heels (or Sneakers!) on the Hill; Taking Print’s Message All the Way to the US Congress

Women in Print Alliance members hit Capitol Hill this spring as part of an industry-wide delegation visit to Washington, D.C. The women represented varied roles and segments within print manufacturing, including direct mail, commercial print, book publishing, and specialty promo/apparel.

Organized by PRINTING United Alliance, the 2025 Legislative Fly-In event was a unique opportunity for company CEOs and management teams to gather in the nation’s capital to advocate for print. (Read more here.)

Opening the Factory Doors; Making Impactful In-State Connections

Tara Halpin, CEO of Steinhauser located in Newport, KY, opened the facility doors to welcome Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear to help celebrate the company’s 120th anniversary.

According to Halpin, the Governor didn’t just visit and give platitudes about the milestone —he actually connected. Wrote Halpin on LinkedIn, “He engaged warmly with our children, our team, our customers, and trusted advisors. He took time to greet and take photos with our team members, creating memories we’ll cherish for years to come.”

The governor also saw first hand the capital investments companies of all sizes must make to stay innovative and competitive in the marketplace. In fact, he personally cut ribbon on a newly installed Mark Andy Hybrid press.

This type of facility tour not only elevates the visibility of the print manufacturing sector, it connects the dots for elected officials of how companies contribute economically and socially in their communities.

Halpin wrote of the experience, “Thank you, Governor Beshear, for being part of Steinhauser’s story. You’ve earned a permanent place on our history wall.”

Advocacy for the Greater Good; Going Beyond Print to Elevate Local Businesses

“I’ve always appreciated how the Chamber brings people together to tackle real issues and create opportunities, not just for business owners, but for the entire region,” writes Sabrina Davis, President of Port City Signs & Graphics in Wilmington, on LinkedIn, adding she’s loved seeing “what’s possible when local leaders come together with open minds and shared goals.”

Putting action behind her words, Sabrina recently announced her appointment to the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. This opportunity allows for collaboration with local business owners, the chance to champion newly launched enterprises, and becoming an overall advocate for the economic vitality of her home region.

A fun fringe benefit to this volunteer gig? Attending a ribbon cutting or site tour and seeing her own company’s signs and graphics on site at other Chamber member’s facilities – and knowing that print is driving growth for her local economy.

Growing the Congressional Print Caucus – and Print’s National Influence

Thanks to Women in Print Alliance members Brooke Hamilton, Jaime Herand, and Lane Hickey-Wiggins, who visited Capitol Hill as part of their volunteer service on the PRINTING United Alliance Board of Directors to promote the launch of the Congressional Print Caucus, the understanding – an influence – of the modern print industry continues to build at the federal level.

These women made early key “asks” for US Representatives to join the Congressional Printing Caucus, a bipartisan caucus focused on advancing an agenda that protects America’s printing industry and honors its history in cities and towns throughout the country. (Read more here.)

And what these women helped start face-to-face, you can continue to advance virtually by inviting your own US Representative own to join the Congressional Printing Caucus. Learn more about the caucus and then reach out to them here.

Our Advocacy in Action is Just Getting Started…

It’s important to note that Women in Print Alliance takes a multi-functional approach to advocacy. Learning to advocate for yourself, for your company, and for your industry will pay dividends throughout your career.

As we head into year two of our membership program, we will continue to provide knowledge, tips, and training to help you hone your best advocacy skills and to facilitate opportunities that make your voice heard.