UFH: Katja Lilu Melder elected as new chairwoman

The Federal Congress of Women Entrepreneurs in the Skilled Crafts (UFH) met in Bingen. In addition to the election of the new board, topics such as employer branding, energy, and climate protection were on the agenda.

This article is part of the special feature on women in the trades.

At this year's Federal Congress of Women Entrepreneurs in Crafts (UFH) , which took place in Bingen from October 17 to 19, 2024, a new Federal Executive Board was elected. The previous board, led by Tatjana Lanvermann, did not stand for re-election. Lanvermann was elected Honorary Chairwoman.

Katja Lilu Melder , a master metalworker and welding specialist and owner of BMG Santec GmbH , was elected as the new Federal Chairwoman by a large majority . In her inaugural address, Melder emphasized the importance of promoting the visibility of women in the skilled trades. "I am honored and very grateful for this tremendous support and approval of my election as the new Federal Chairwoman of the UFH (Association of Women Craftsmen). I am a craftswoman with passion and dedication , and I stand for even greater visibility and positioning of women in the skilled trades . I am delighted that I can contribute my passion even more intensively to the UFH." She also highlighted the challenges currently facing the skilled trades and called for courage and determination to shape the path to a successful future together.

Experienced managers strengthen new UFH board

The new board comprises several experienced individuals: Silke Countess Falco di Torre Pellice , a master hairdresser from the UFH working group in Würzburg , was elected deputy federal chairwoman . Manuela Groß , a gas station owner from Ingolstadt, will serve as treasurer . Cornelia Lutz , a senior employee at GHM (Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen – Society for Trade Fairs for Crafts) and a UFH supporting member, was appointed press spokesperson.

Jeanette Peters , change manager from the UFH working group in Dortmund, will serve as secretary . Carola Zarth , president of the Berlin Chamber of Skilled Crafts , has also been appointed to the board as a co-opted member. Miriam Schulze , head of department at the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) , will support the board as managing director.

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Honors for female entrepreneurs in the craft sector

The annual UFH Congress highlights the importance of networking and mutual support among women entrepreneurs in the skilled trades. Together, they aim to further strengthen the visibility and positioning of women in the sector.

Another highlight of the congress was the awarding of the title " Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year 2024 ". This honor went to Nadine Bönninger of Bönninger Scaffolding from Dortmund. The title " Heroine in Crafts 2024 " was awarded to Alice Brammertz of Brammertz Carpentry from Aachen.

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