Honoree / Emerging Leader Resource
The 2025 Honoree and Emerging Leader Guide is your go to source for event information, including how to accept your award and what to anticipate at the 2025 Women MAKE Awards.
HONOREE AND EMERGING LEADER GUIDE
2025 Women MAKE Awards Leadership Conference
The 2025 Women MAKE Awards and Leadership Conference will take place in Washington, D.C. on April 23-25, 2025.
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Accept the Award
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Location
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Hotel Information
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The Anthem
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Explore DC
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Sponsorship
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2023 Sponsors
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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 2025 Women MAKE Awards will take place in Washington, D.C.
Accept the Award and Register as a 2025 Honoree/Emerging Leader.
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 2025, 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.
2025 Honoree and Emerging Leader Agenda
- April 23-24, 2025: Women MAKE Awards Leadership Program (for Honorees and Emerging Leaders only)
- April 24, 2025: Women MAKE Awards Gala
- April 25, 2025 Family Breakfast (for Honorees, Emerging Leaders and their families only)
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
11:15 am Registration Open | Capitol Foyer
11:15 am Welcome Luncheon | Penn Avenue Terrace
12:00 pm Welcome | Salon DEF
12:30 pm Breakouts (see the 2025 Honoree and Emerging Leader Guide for more details on these sessions)
2:00 pm Building Your Personal Brand | Salon DEF
3:00 pm Networking Break | Capitol Foyer
3:30 pm Increasing Your Negotiating Effectiveness | Salon DEF
5:00 pm Rosie Reports | Salon DEF
5:30 pm Honoree and Emerging Leader Welcome Reception | Penn Avenue Terrace
6:30 pm Conclusion of Reception
Thursday, April 24, 2025
6:30 am Sunrise Yoga | Penn Avenue Terrace
8:00 am Breakfast | Penn Avenue Terrace
8:30 am Reciprocity Ring: Building Connections, Solving Challenges | Salon DEF
10:00 am General Session | Salon DEF
11:00 am Networking Break | Capitol Foyer
11:30 am Breakouts (see the 2025 Honoree and Emerging Leader Guide for more details on these sessions)
12:30 pm Awards Photos Begin
12:30 pm Honoree and Emerging Leader Networking Luncheons | Penn Avenue Terrace
1:30 pm Leading with Purpose: Inspiring Confidence and Balancing Success | Salon DEF
2:30 pm Paying it Forward: Inspiring Action and Impact | Salon DEF
3:00 pm Conclusion of Leadership Program
Awards Ceremony Programming
6:00 pm 2024 Women MAKE Awards Gala | The Anthem
9:00 pm Conclusion of Awards Program
9:30 pm Women MAKE Awards After Party | JW Marriott Washington D.C.
Friday, April 25, 2025
7:30 am Family Breakfast | Penn Avenue Terrace
9:00 am Conclusion of Family Breakfast
Hotel Information
The 2025 Women MAKE Awards Honorees and Emerging Leaders, as well as gala guests are welcome to stay at the JW Marriott 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 22, 2025 | Room rate $339 + tax
- Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | Room rate $339 + tax
- Thursday, April 24, 2025 | Room rate $339 + tax
The cut-off date for reservations at the negotiated 2025 Women Make Awards is Monday, March 31; , however once the room block is filled (which may be before cut-off) room availability and group rate are not guaranteed.
To make your hotel arrangements at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. CLICK HERE, or call (800) 393-2503 and ask for the “2025 Women MAKE Awards and Leadership Conference” group room rate. Registrants are responsible for making and cancelling their own hotel room reservations. All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card.
Hotel Cancellation Policy:
Reservations can be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to arrival without penalty. If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee equal to one night’s room revenue will be charged.
Contact Information:
For hotel questions or assistance, please contact us at [email protected].
Women MAKE Awards Gala
The Anthem | 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
About The Anthem
Combining beautiful architecture with sweeping spaces, The Anthem is a music venue and auditorium in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of Washington, D.C. that provides an innovative, multi-functional venue unrivaled in all of DC. Since opening its doors on October 12, 2017, The Anthem has hosted countless concerts, conferences, and other gatherings, including headlining performances by Foo Fighters, Brandi Carlile, Greta Van Fleet, Kenny Chesney, Katy Perry, Bob Dylan, Lizzo, Tim McGraw, Blondie, Janelle Monáe, Billie Eilish, and The Killers.
The Anthem is located on the Wharf, a redeveloped, mile-long stretch along the Potomac River bustling with restaurants, retailers, residences, and businesses—all complemented by monumental views and a vibrant culture.
About Washington, D.C.
Monuments and memorials, eclectic neighborhoods, true local flavor – Washington, DC is a place unlike any other. With a multitude of free options for all ages, visitors have opportunity to explore our nation’s history will experiencing the unique culture of our nation’s capital.
Explore DC: https://washington.org/
Health & Safety Information
Secure Your 2025 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].
2024 Sponsors
Women MAKE America Chair
Women MAKE America Vice-Chair
Platinum Sponsors
Women MAKE Ally Sponsors
Entertainment Sponsors
Friends of Rosie Sponsors
Support Sponsors
Questions or Comments?
Email the Women MAKE Awards team at [email protected].