Women MAKE Awards to Honor 130 Women for Excellence in Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, D.C., 03/1/23 –

Today, the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced the 130 recipients of the 2023 Women MAKE Awards, which honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers across all levels of the manufacturing industry.

“There is no doubt that the 2023 Women MAKE Awards Honorees and Emerging Leaders are immensely talented and accomplished,” said Cornerstone Building Brands President and CEO and Women MAKE Awards Chair Rose Lee. “They serve as excellent role models who are committed to inspiring and supporting women and girls of all ages. Their example is how we will create an industry that is as diverse as the communities we serve.”

The Women MAKE Awards honor exceptional women in manufacturing and motivate them to mentor the next generation through an annual awards gala and associated leadership training program. The stories of these women and the leadership they exemplify will help inspire the future women leaders in manufacturing and support talent already within the industry.

“The women we are celebrating at the 2023 Women MAKE Awards showcase the vibrant, diverse and rewarding careers available in this industry,” said Caterpillar Group President and Women MAKE Awards Vice Chair Denise Johnson. “Their stories prove that there has never been a more exciting time for young women to pursue opportunities in modern manufacturing.”

The Women MAKE Awards are part of the MI’s Women MAKE America Initiative, which is the nation’s marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing. Women account for about half of the U.S. labor force but represent less than one-third of the manufacturing workforce. Last year, the MI celebrated the 10th anniversary of the awards program with the launch of its 35×30 campaign, which aims to increase the representation of women in manufacturing from 29% to 35% by 2030.

“The biggest challenge facing manufacturers continues to be the growing workforce crisis, and women are the industry’s largest talent opportunity; increasing the percentage of women in the industry by just six points would fill all open jobs in the sector today,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “That is exactly why the Women MAKE Awards are so important and powerful. These are the women who will inspire our next generation of female talent to pursue a career in this industry.”

On April 20, the MI will recognize the accomplishments and contributions of this year’s awardees at a gala in Washington, D.C.

To learn more about the awards, click here.

-The MI-

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.

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