The Manufacturing Institute Announces 2026 Chair and Vice Chair for STEP Ahead Awards
Washington, D.C. (December 4) – Today, the Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced two outstanding manufacturing leaders will serve as chair and vice chair of the MI’s STEP Ahead Awards.
Biogen Executive Vice President, Head of Pharmaceutical Operations and Technology Nicole Murphy will serve as chair, and AstraZeneca Senior Vice President and Global Head of Pharmaceutical Technology and Development Dafni Bika will serve as vice chair.
With more than three decades of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, Murphy brings deep expertise and leadership in manufacturing operations, engineering, chemistry, manufacturing and controls process development, regulatory, quality and supply chain management. She has a proven track record of driving improvements in safety and quality, optimizing production processes and ensuring reliable supply of potentially lifesaving medicines to patients around the globe. Through strategic leadership, driving innovation and transformative change, and a focus on mentorship and talent development, Murphy consistently strives to deliver measurable business results.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as chair for the STEP Ahead Awards program and to celebrate the remarkable women and allies who are shaping the future of manufacturing,” said Murphy. “In today’s ever-evolving and high-paced manufacturing environment, it is critical we recognize women and allies at all levels for their innovative spirit and leadership—they are building the talent pipeline of manufacturing leaders. I look forward to learning from their inspiring stories and recognizing the impact they’re having on manufacturing, technology and society.”
Bika also brings over 25 years of experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, developing and commercializing new products and leading digital innovation to accelerate and ensure robust manufacturing.
“I’m honored to be appointed vice chair of the MI’s 2026 STEP Ahead Awards,” said Bika. “This program recognizes the women and allies who are shaping the future of manufacturing with bold creativity and innovation. I’m deeply committed to advancing and inspiring the next generation in STEM to pursue careers in our industry, and I look forward to celebrating the remarkable leaders who will be honored next year.”
“We are so fortunate to have two inspirational leaders—both working at the cutting edge of biopharmaceutical manufacturing—agree to lead and advise on the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Both Nicole and Dafni embody all that manufacturing has to offer as a career path. They are making these opportunities visible and inspiring a future generation of manufacturing team members.”
The STEP Ahead Awards recognize outstanding women and allies in manufacturing who are driving impact from the shop floor to the C-suite. By celebrating their stories, the MI’s STEP Ahead Awards program helps reshape perceptions of the industry, showcase the wide array of talent who powers it and build a stronger future for manufacturing. Awardees are nominated by their colleagues for demonstrating exceptional leadership in strengthening their workplace and communities. The 2026 awardees will be announced ahead of the STEP Ahead Awards Gala on April 23, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
-The MI-
The Manufacturing Institute works to build and strengthen the manufacturing workforce for individual opportunity, community prosperity and a competitive manufacturing industry for the future, through implementing groundbreaking programs, convening industry leaders and conducting innovative research. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.
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