Revitalizing American manufacturing. steel. workforce development. techno optimist. Director of External Affairs at New American Industrial Alliance

Joined July 2023
Part one of my rapid fire industrial tour of Seattle. I am smitten.
2
2
1
16
634
Crystal Bentley retweeted
The @deptofwar’s Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced today a $150 million conditional loan commitment with @stoke_space, a U.S.-based space launch company developing fully reusable rockets, to provide low-cost, high-cadence access to orbit. The proposed loan from OSC, alongside private capital, would support the buildout of the company’s second launchpad at its existing launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The OSC commitment to Stoke Space more broadly supports the expansion of U.S. launch capacity, which is required to meet the rising demand for commercial and national security space launch by the United States Space Force. Space launch is a designated critical technology category that is vital to national security and economic resilience. Read the full press release here: war.gov/News/Releases/Releas…
9
18
5
104
9,152
Crystal Bentley retweeted
Had the pleasure of being around some my favorite founders lately. All have a very distinct “us against the world” mentality. Our team. Our culture. Our standards. We’re building something we believe should exist and we don’t need everyone else to get it. F*ck the noise. F*ck the haters. Save the energy for the people in the room doing the work.. Heads down. Let’s roll.
2
5
31
1,548
Reading to be less stupid.
3
24
647
I’m sad to leave beautiful Seattle. What a city.
3
2
27
849
What kind of civilization are we working toward? What should we make? What should we explore? What capabilities should future generations inherit? How much should we be willing to attempt? Share your dreams!
2
1
3
291
A few years ago, young people told us they wanted to be YouTubers. Now? FOUNDERS. I’ve been told this from multiple sources, none of them talking to each other. They’re hearing it directly from their students. I spent the last few years helping lead a national effort to inspire young people to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. I wanted them to dream of becoming machinists, engineers, and metalworkers. But something even bigger happened. They don’t just want to build things. They want to build companies. Goal exceeded.
3
1
18
943
Disclaimer: I do NOT think this is because of one program. It’s the Reindustrialize movement. All of you. Students are seeing founders again. Thank you all for starting companies and doing things kids can dream about again.
79
Reindustrializing is not sweaters and networking/hanging out with likeminded friends, but they are associated perks.
25
999
Your opinion: I want to start writing field notes on the places I’m visiting across the country. What’s the best outlet? X article, Substack, company blog? Not trying to be a content creator, just dive deeper into what I’m seeing so other people get inspired.
3
6
570
Crystal Bentley retweeted
8 person specialized mfg co $200k salaries $500k rev per employee 20% net margin 6-10k sq ft bldg (owned) 2 + 1 shifts Would like to meet anyone close to this.
22
4
153
8,070
I will be in Seattle Oct. 21-23ish. If anyone's building and wants to talk reindustrializing, DM me!
2
2
10
639
NAIA Member News Roundup 🚀 From humanoid robotics and AI infrastructure to advanced manufacturing and reusable rockets, NAIA members are making moves across America's industrial landscape. Here's what they've been up to: 🤖 @foundation_robo welcomed representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to its headquarters, showcasing advances in humanoid robotics, autonomous navigation, and materials handling. 🏆 @FoundryRobotics earned a spot on Greenfield Partners' 2026 Disruptors60 list, recognizing innovators pushing the boundaries of physical AI. ⚡ @generalcatalyst is investing in AI computing infrastructure, developing a data center to give its portfolio companies greater access to the computing power they need to grow. 🏭 @HadrianInc is expanding its partnership with Lockheed Martin, bringing advanced automated machining capabilities directly to the company's Grand Prairie, Texas facility. 🚁 @jobyaviation landed on TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 list for its electric air taxi, bringing the future of flight closer to reality. 🌐 @Meta also earned a place on TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 list for Omnilingual ASR, its AI-powered transcription technology designed to support languages around the world. 🚀 @stoke_space reached another major milestone as its Stage 2 rocket rolled out of the factory, heading into cryogenic and engine testing ahead of its journey to Cape Canaveral. American industry is moving forward. Congratulations to all our members building what's next! Join us.
2
6
650
Crystal Bentley retweeted
3,018
12,440
3,338
94,703
4,194,402
As the daughter of a preacher it’s hard to not be an active listener in forums and conferences. That’s right! Amen! Mmmhm! Clap clap. #SouthernerinDC
9
349
At the National Press Club this morning for a forum on space policy. Looking forward to learning. As always, the workforce is front and center in my mind- space isn’t just for billionaires. There are hundreds of startups in the space ecosystem supporting national security and exploration! That’s a lot of jobs with dignity and purpose.
10
355
One prototype at AUSA that I really liked was created by a physical AI company. AI vision and systems are paired with AUTONOMOUS military vehicles to teach them how to navigate and operate in challenging terrains. The AI/autonomous combo amazes me. Definite unfair advantages for our warfighters. Love.
2
278
Crystal Bentley retweeted
Woke up to @noxmetals in Times Square! We're honored to share that we've been named to the #Disruptors60 Class of 2026, curated by @GreenfieldVC at @TechCrunch Disrupt, alongside teams advancing AI... where it matters the most! Both the infrastructure powering tomorrow's models and the applications reshaping critical industries.
21
29
7
283
7,770
Crystal Bentley retweeted
I’m hiring a Chief of Staff at @fw_automation For 2 years you’ll work with me across the company, then move into a senior role in biz ops or finance The right person is highly organized, self-motivated, hungry, and comfortable keeping many things moving at once. CoS, banking, or staffer backgrounds are likely fits
26
28
17
263
58,538