ABMA is proud to host the Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) Panel and Networking Luncheon. This event provides a platform for leading women in our industry to share challenges and successes, offering inspiration for the future of steam. Attendees with All-Access passes are invited to join us for a premier networking experience and a great meal.

WIBI & Ladies of Steam: A Celebration of Steam Power

ABMA’s Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) professional community is thrilled to pair up with the Ladies of Steam professional community for an exclusive networking luncheon at the BOILER EXPO. This event celebrates the remarkable women who dedicate their lives and careers to the boiler industry and the preservation of historical steam locomotives.

What better combination? Whether it is modern high-pressure systems or the art of antique steam, the passion for the craft remains the same.

About Ladies of Steam

Ladies of Steam is a dedicated platform and community focused on celebrating, supporting, and connecting women in the steam world. From restoring traction engines to operating historic locomotives, they provide a space for mentorship, education, and "Women Teaching Women" workshops. Their mission is to ensure the history and technical mastery of steam power are passed down to future generations by empowering women to take the throttle.

This will be an exciting hour and a half exploring how our two communities share synergies and celebrate our collective love of steam.

Moderator

Shaunica Jayson ABMA Vice President of Membership & Marketing
​As a co-founder of the WIBI community, Shaunica is dedicated to elevating the voices of women in the boiler industry and fostering a more connected professional landscape.

Featured Panelists

• Nicole Wallace | Co-founder, Ladies of Steam
  ​A licensed hobby boiler operator with 20+ years of experience. Nicole famously designed a replacement boiler for a 1919 Minneapolis steam engine to modern ASME standards, blending historical preservation with expert engineering.

• Julie Collins | Foreman & Steam Locomotive Engineer, Dollywood
  ​Formerly in the medical field, Julie now operates the Dollywood Express. She is a skilled engineer and foreman who blends technical precision with storytelling to keep the history of steam railroading alive.

• Lilly Wahl | VP, Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Association
  ​A lifelong steam enthusiast and instructor, Lilly is dedicated to mentoring the next generation. She serves as a leader in the historical steam community, teaching the technical skills and safety vital to operating antique machinery.

• Joel Amato | Executive Director, NBBI
  ​With over 30 years of experience—including service as a U.S. Navy Boiler Technician and Chief Boiler Inspector for Minnesota—Joel leads the National Board in ensuring global safety and uniformity in boiler construction and inspection.