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Audra Ladd

Entrepreneur, Artisan, Advocate for Local Manufacturing

Audra Ladd is the Co-Director of the Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA), a national non-profit organization supporting domestic manufacturing and locally made products.23 As an economist, urban planner, artisan, and entrepreneur, she advocates for local makers and manufacturers.4

Audra's background includes:

  1. Over 20 years of experience in public and private sectors supporting equitable economic and community development.1
  2. Former Director of Economic and Community Development for Nashville/Davidson County, TN.1
  3. Co-founder of Nashville Made, connecting locally-made goods with small business economic development.23
  4. Founder of Audra Ladd Studios, where she creates pottery, hand-woven textiles, and hand-spun yarn.12

At UMA, Audra focuses on:

  • Supporting local businesses and manufacturing that provide family-sustaining wages.3
  • Promoting the intersection of climate change and economic development in manufacturing.3
  • Directing manufacturing policy to advance the organization's goals.2

Audra is passionate about making the world a better place for her two children and sees her work in manufacturing as a way to create a different future.3 She values the balance between her rewarding career and being an attentive parent.2

Highlights

Aug 5 · linkedin

I grew up in the town next to Pittsfield, MA and when GE shuttered in the late 80's it was felt througout Berkshire County. While it is 40 years overdue, I am glad to see the Berkshire Innovation Center Manufacturing Academy up and succeeding.

May 5 · linkedin

Happy to be in #chicago for the Interise SolveIt conference.

Related Questions

What inspired Audra Ladd to transition from urban planning to manufacturing policy?
How does Audra Ladd's background as an artisan influence her work at UMA?
What are some specific success stories from UMA under Audra Ladd's leadership?
How does UMA address racial equality in its manufacturing initiatives?
What challenges has Audra Ladd faced in securing capital for small manufacturers?
Audra Ladd
Audra Ladd, photo 1
Audra Ladd, photo 2
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Location

Nashville, Tennessee, United States