Questions or Comments?
Email the Women MAKE America team at [email protected].Women are THE largest talent opportunity to close the skills gap in the manufacturing industry, increase innovation and drive the future of our workforce. #MFGwomen
Accept the Award
Recognizing Women Leaders in Manufacturing
The Women MAKE Awards (formerly known as the STEP Ahead Awards) recognize women gamechangers working in the manufacturing industry who exemplify leadership within their companies. This national honor identifies top talent in manufacturing and further encourages award winners to mentor and support the next generation of female talent to pursue modern manufacturing careers. The Women MAKE Awards give women across the country a platform to showcase the incredible opportunities the industry has to offer, whether they are running the company, designing the next big product or testing innovations on the shop floor.In 2023, the Manufacturing Institute will recognize 100 women and 30 Emerging Leaders, a category to honor women under the age of 30 who have achieved unique accomplishments at the start of their careers.
2023 AWARD WINNERS
Why Recognize Women in Manufacturing?
- It’s the right thing to do: Women today account for less than one-third of manufacturers (29%) despite representing about half of all workers (47%). Yet, it’s manufacturing that set the stage for a decades-long march of women into the workforce. Women in previous generations showed the country what they could do through manufacturing, and it’s on us to inspire girls in the next generation to dream of what they can do through manufacturing, too.
- It’s critical to solving the workforce crisis: Women represent one of the largest pools of untapped talent for manufacturers. Thus, closing manufacturing’s gender gap is key to closing the skills gap, too. Moreover, research shows that gender diversity benefits a manufacturing firm by improving its ability to innovate and grow.
2023 Honoree and Emerging Leader Agenda
- April 19-20, 2023: Women MAKE Awards Leadership Program (for Honorees and Emerging Leaders only)
- April 20, 2023: Women MAKE Awards Gala
- April 21, 2023: Family Breakfast (for Honorees, Emerging Leaders and their families only)
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
11:15 am Registration Open | Registration
11:15 am Welcome Luncheon | Grand Gallery
12:00 pm Welcome | Grand Ballroom
12:30 pm Breakouts (see the 2023 Honoree and Emerging Leader Guide for more details on these sessions)
2:00 pm Building Your Personal Brand | Grand Ballroom
3:00 pm Networking Break | Grand Gallery
3:30 pm Increasing Your Negotiating Effectiveness | Grand Ballroom
5:00 pm Women Connect: Tackling the Tough Issues | Grand Ballroom
5:30 pm Honoree and Emerging Leader Welcome Reception | Grand Gallery
6:30 pm Conclusion of Reception
Thursday, April 20, 2023
8:00 am Breakfast | Grand Gallery
8:30 am Reciprocity Ring | Grand Ballroom
9:45 am Break | Grand Gallery
10:00 am Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace | Grand Ballroom
11:00 am Fireside Chat with Allison Grealis, Founder and President, Women in Manufacturing | Grand Ballroom
11:30 am Break | Grand Gallery
11:45 am Breakouts (see the 2023 Honoree and Emerging Leader Guide for more details on these sessions)
12:30 pm Professional Headshot Photos Begin
12:30 pm Honoree and Emerging Leader Networking Luncheon | Grand Gallery
1:30 pm Executive Insights: What I Wish I Knew | Grand Ballroom
2:30 pm Paying it Forward | Grand Ballroom
3:00 pm Conclusion of Leadership Program
Awards Ceremony Programming
6:00 pm 2023 Women MAKE Awards Gala | National Building Museum9:00 pm Conclusion of Awards Program
9:30 pm Women MAKE Awards After Party | Conrad Washington D.C.
Friday, April 21, 2023
8:00 am Family Breakfast | Grand Ballroom9:00 am Conclusion of Family Breakfast
Hotel Information
The 2023 Women MAKE Awards Honorees and Emerging Leaders, as well as gala guests are welcome to stay at the Conrad Washington, D.C. We are pleased to share that hotel rooms for the special event are available at a discounted rate.The discounted room rates are as follows:
- Wednesday, April 19, 2023 | Room rate $405 + tax
- Thursday, April 20, 2023 | Room rate $405 + tax
- Friday, April 21, 2023 | Room rate $405 + tax
Hotel Information
National Building Museum
Explore DC
Health & Safety Information
Secure Your 2023 Sponsorship Now!
Sponsorships for the leadership program and gala available: If you are interested in increasing your company presence at the Women MAKE Awards, please contact us for opportunities at [email protected].Engagement Opportunities