OUR STORY
(2017-2018)
Origins and Vision
In 2017, a group of industry leaders came together, united by a shared concern about the decline of America's domestic apparel and textiles industry. Their discussions revealed critical gaps that were holding the sector back: a lack of manufacturing innovation, limited access to advanced solutions and the absence of standardized training programs. More importantly, they recognized that the industry's legacy of harmful practices affecting both people and the planet needed to change.
Rather than simply identifying problems, this group chose to act. They formed a consortium with an ambitious vision: to develop a national institute that would pilot and catalyze the adoption of advanced manufacturing solutions while simultaneously training disenfranchised communities to become highly skilled operators using standardized methods. Their commitment extended beyond technical innovations to include trialing new models for creating equity, and growth opportunities for long-undervalued workers.
After dedicating hundreds of volunteer hours to work sessions, feasibility studies a nd comprehensive planning, ISAIC officially incorporated in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our choice of Detroit as headquarters was strategic, leveraging the city's rich history as a manufacturing and innovation powerhouse while creating opportunities to support economic vitality in under-resourced communities.
(2018-2019)
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION
The year 2019 marked a significant milestone as we established our founding donor partnerships. Carhartt, Autodesk Foundation and the William Davidson Foundation committed to provide the critical resources needed to transform vision into reality. In January 2020, ISAIC hired our first staff members, becoming fully operational by April 2020.
As the world emerged from the pandemic, ISAIC returned to our original vision with renewed focus and proven capabilities. We have achieved remarkable growth and impact over the subsequent years:
Proof of Concept Achieved: ISAIC has successfully demonstrated the viability of our innovative approach to manufacturing training and community development.
National Reach: ISAIC has gained clients across multiple regions throughout the United States, validating the scalability of our model.
Skilling: Hundreds of individuals have been trained through ISAIC's programs, creating new pathways to skilled manufacturing careers.
Business Innovation: The launch of an Employee Business Unit represents a significant step toward creating sustainable economic opportunities for program participants.
Organizational Strength: With an exceptional staff and board of directors, ISAIC has built the institutional capacity needed for sustained growth and impact.
(2020-2021)
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
(2021-PRESENT)
GROWTH AND IMPACT
ISAIC's first 18 months of operations coincided with the global pandemic, presenting unprecedented challenges. True to the organization's problem-solving DNA, our team pivoted quickly to address urgent national needs. Understanding that our resources, equipment and expertise could serve a greater purpose, ISAIC led a consortium to produce critically needed personal protective equipment (PPE) during the height of the crisis.
This pandemic response demonstrated our agility and commitment to serving communities in need, while also providing valuable real-world experience in manufacturing operations and supply chain management.
Today, ISAIC stands at an exciting inflection point. Having proven our concept and built strong operational foundations, our organization is now planning for both local and national expansion. The vision that began with a group of concerned industry leaders in 2017 has evolved into a thriving organization that is actively transforming domestic manufacturing while creating meaningful opportunities for under-resourced communities.
As ISAIC continues to grow, we remain committed to our founding principles: advancing manufacturing innovation, providing standardized training, and creating equitable pathways for workers to participate in the industry's transformation. Our journey from concept to national impact demonstrates the power of collective action, and the potential for positive change when industry leaders commit to addressing systemic challenges with innovative solutions.
