Questions or Comments?
Email the Women MAKE Awards 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
The 2024 Women MAKE Awards will take place in Washington, D.C.
Accept the Award and Register as a 2024 Honoree/Emerging Leader.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 2024, 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.
Why Recognize Women in Manufacturing?
- They deserve it. Women today account for less than one-third of manufacturing employees (29%) despite representing about half of all workers (47%). Yet, it was manufacturing that set the stage for a decades-long march of women into the workforce. Women working in our industry bring a strong skillset of problem-solving, collaboration, communication and mindful leadership. They navigate through unconscious bias, balance work and family life responsibilities, overcome imposter syndrome and have learned to lead, often without any female role models to show them the way. It is right and warranted for us to recognize and celebrate women’s contributions and achievements in what continues to be a male-dominated sector.
- 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. Research shows that gender diversity benefits a manufacturing firm by improving its ability to innovate and grow. 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 accomplish through manufacturing, too.
2024 Honoree and Emerging Leader Agenda
- April 17-18, 2024: Women MAKE Awards Leadership Program (for Honorees and Emerging Leaders only)
- April 18, 2024: Women MAKE Awards Gala
- April 19, 2024: Family Breakfast (for Honorees, Emerging Leaders and their families only)
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
11:15 am Registration Open | Ballroom Foyer
11:15 am Welcome Luncheon | Gallery Ballroom BC
12:00 pm Welcome | Grand Ballroom
12:30 pm Breakouts (see the 2024 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 Foyer
3:30 pm Increasing Your Negotiating Effectiveness | Grand Ballroom
5:00 pm Women Connect: Rosie Reports | Grand Ballroom
5:30 pm Honoree and Emerging Leader Welcome Reception | Grand Foyer
6:30 pm Conclusion of Reception
Thursday, April 18, 2024
8:00 am Breakfast | Gallery Ballroom BC
8:30 am Reciprocity Ring | Grand Ballroom
10:00 am Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace | Grand Ballroom
11:00 am Networking Break | Grand Foyer
11:30 am Breakouts (see the 2024 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 Luncheons | Gallery Ballroom BC (Honorees) and Phillips (Emerging Leaders)
1:30 pm Executive Insights: Getting to the C-Suite | Grand Ballroom
2:30 pm Paying it Forward | Grand Ballroom
3:00 pm Conclusion of Leadership Program
Awards Ceremony Programming
6:00 pm 2024 Women MAKE Awards Gala | The Anthem9:00 pm Conclusion of Awards Program
9:30 pm Women MAKE Awards After Party | Salamander Washington D.C.
Friday, April 19, 2024
7:30 am Family Breakfast | Gallery Ballroom9:00 am Conclusion of Family Breakfast
Hotel Information
The 2024 Women MAKE Awards Honorees and Emerging Leaders, as well as gala guests are welcome to stay at the Salamander 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:
- Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | Room rate $415 + tax
- Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | Room rate $415 + tax
- Thursday, April 18, 2024 | Room rate $415 + tax
Hotel Information
The Anthem
Explore DC
Health & Safety Information
Secure Your 2024 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
