To combat the gender gap in manufacturing, The Manufacturing Institute launched the STEP Ahead initiative in 2012 to showcase the impact of women in science, technology, engineering and production (STEP) careers. The STEP Ahead Awards highlight the achievements of real women in manufacturing who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their companies and communities, on a national stage with a formal gala.

STEP Ahead women all across the U.S. have made a pledge to promote the importance of women in manufacturing. The Institute continues to showcase the impact these women have had throughout the years in their companies, in their communities, and with themselves.

We know that the Institute’s STEP Ahead initiative has made a difference—in just five years, STEP Ahead Award winners have impacted more than 300,000 individuals, from peers in the industry to school-age children. To date, we have honored 802 women who are making a difference in their companies and communities, and we are excited to continue building this army of leaders in 2019.

Washington, D.C.