The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced the 130 recipients of the 2024 Women MAKE Awards, which honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers across all levels of the manufacturing industry.

“With more than 600,000 open jobs in manufacturing today, it’s essential that we as a community engage and uplift women within the sector. Through this initiative, we’ve done so much to change the perception of the industry to highlight the vast array of careers available, provide pathways to get the next generation of female leaders into our industry and help them mentor others who have chosen to join us. Today, we celebrate them, their stories and the amazing careers that these women have built in modern manufacturing,” said Caterpillar Group President of Resource Industries and Women MAKE Awards Chair Denise Johnson.

Each year, 100 Honorees and 30 Emerging Leaders are peer-selected based on their contributions to their companies, communities and developing the next generation of talent. To date, the program has honored nearly 1,500 women. 

“There has never been a better time for young women to pursue opportunities in modern manufacturing,” said Toyota Senior Vice President of Electric Vehicle Supply and incoming Women MAKE Awards Vice Chair Susan Elkington. “As a previous Honoree, I know the power of this program to motivate and mentor the next generation, and I am excited to continue to be part of this initiative highlighting the amazing Women who MAKE America.”

The Women MAKE Awards celebrate 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. 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. The MI launched its 35x30 initiative to increase the percentage of women in manufacturing to 35% by 2030 to help close the current jobs gap in the sector.

“The women recognized this year are phenomenal leaders, co-workers, mothers, sisters and daughters and vital members of their communities. Their contributions and accomplishments are worth celebrating, and we are looking forward to doing that together in D.C.,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Each year we see the highest caliber of women nominated, which is a testament to the growing number of trailblazers and powerhouses in the industry. I hope others see them as role models and as representatives of what they, too, could achieve through a career in manufacturing.”

To see all the winners, visit https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/women/wma/wma-awards/2024-women-make-award-winners/.