Shrink It and Pink It? No. PPE Should Actually Fit!

Thursday, October 23, 2025

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM CT

Location: MCCNO 278-282

Speaker(s)

Jessica Christy (she/her/hers)

Lead Repair Deployment Leader
GE Vernova
Canton, New York, United States

Moderator(s)

Lisa Hutson

CEO/Owner/Founder
Cosawove Workwear
Batesville, Indiana, United States

Speaker(s)

Ari Eherts

Installation/BOP & Logistics Product Line Leader
GE Vernova
Schenectady, New York, United States
Jenna Bechard

Services Program Manager
GE Vernova
Schenectady, New York, United States

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been given “Shrink It and Pink It” PPE instead of real protection! Properly fitting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for workplace success, yet many employees – especially women – are relegated to wear gear designed for a completely different body type. This panel will explore the dangers of ill-fitting PPE and the science behind fit discrepancies to illustrate how wearing improperly sized PPE compromises safety, efficiency, and morale. Adding a dynamic twist, an interactive fashion show will highlight the stark differences between standard PPE and properly fitted alternatives to demonstrate how design impacts safety, mobility, and comfort. By understanding the risks and using data driven arguments, attendees will walk away with a compelling business case to advocate for equitable PPE solutions at work. Join us for this unique opportunity to learn, engage, and take action toward a safer, more inclusive workplace.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the safety implications of ill-fitting PPE.
Examine the science behind why women require properly-designed PPE.
Construct a business case to advocate for better-fitting PPE.