Rose Lee to Chair the Manufacturing Institute’s 2023 Women MAKE Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/18/23 –

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced today that Cornerstone Building Brands President and CEO Rose Lee will serve as the chair of the 2023 Women MAKE Awards.

The Women MAKE Awards honor women at all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite, who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers.

Each year, 100 Honorees and 30 Emerging Leaders—women under the age of 30 who have achieved unique accomplishments at the start of their careers—are peer-selected based on their contributions to their companies and communities and to developing the next generation of talent. To date, the program has honored more than 1,300 women.

“By elevating the accomplishments of the 100 Honorees and 30 Emerging Leaders, the Women MAKE Awards emphasize the exciting career opportunities available and inspire young women and girls to see themselves in these roles,” said Rose Lee. “Advancing women and increasing diversity are pillars of our work at Cornerstone Building Brands. After a year of collaboration with the Manufacturing Institute as vice chair, I am excited to step into the role of chair and continue our work together to close the gender gap in the industry and make sure our workforce better reflects the communities we serve.”

Lee brings more than 30 years of manufacturing experience to her role as chair, including her current position as president and CEO and a board member of Cornerstone Building Brands. She is also a member of the NAM Executive Committee.

Prior to joining Cornerstone Building Brands, Lee was president of DuPont Water & Protection. She has held senior leadership positions at Saint-Gobain, Booz Allen Hamilton and Pratt & Whitney. Lee is the first female Korean American CEO of a Fortune 1000 company.

“We are honored to have Rose as chair, because she is an incredible advocate for women in manufacturing, as well as for increasing diversity and inclusion across the industry,” said MI President Carolyn Lee. “Rose’s story is inspiring and will serve as a powerful motivator for women who are looking to find their own place within our industry. She has been a valued supporter of the Women MAKE America mission, and her leadership will strengthen our reach and impact greatly.”

Recent research conducted by the MI and Colonial Life found that raising the percentage of women in the manufacturing sector by 6% would be enough to fill almost every one of the 779,000 open jobs in manufacturing today. Currently, women make up just 29% of the manufacturing workforce despite making up 47% of the total U.S. workforce.

The Women MAKE Awards are part of the larger Women MAKE America initiative, whose 35×30 campaign aims to close the gender gap in manufacturing by increasing women’s representation to 35% by 2030.

– About the Manufacturing Institute –

The MI grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all workers in America, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and the advancement of their career in manufacturing. As the workforce development and education partner of the NAM, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

– About Cornerstone Building Brands –

Cornerstone Building Brands is the largest manufacturer of exterior building products by sales for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and repair and remodel markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands’ broad, multichannel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes more than 20,000 employees at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate stewardship and environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibility are embedded in our culture. We are committed to contributing positively to the communities where we live, work and play. For more information, visit us at www.cornerstonebuildingbrands.com