Women MAKE America Champion Award

A prestigious honor recognizing a transformative executive leader (of any gender) who has made extraordinary contributions to advancing women in manufacturing. Part of the Women MAKE America initiative.

Purpose:

• To recognize leaders who champion advancing women in manufacturing
• To celebrate those who drive supportive policies and organizational culture
• To honor mentors, sponsors, and role models for women in industry
• To strengthen resilience and competitiveness of manufacturing sector

Focus Areas:

• Innovation: Driving new approaches to workplace culture and advancement
• Mentorship: Developing women leaders at all levels
• Community Engagement: Contributing to industry-wide cultural change
• Empowerment: Creating environments where women excel and lead
• Policy Leadership: Establishing supportive workplace policies

Award Recipient Profile:

• Transformative executive leader
• Demonstrated extraordinary contributions to advancing women
• Fostered more competitive and dynamic industry through women's advancement
• Served as ally, mentor, sponsor, and role model
• Driven cultural change within organizations and across industry

Industry Context:

• Manufacturing industry critical talent challenge: 400,000+ monthly job openings
• 3.8 million positions need filling by 2033
• Women comprise <30% of manufacturing roles but ~50% of overall workforce
• Strong leadership allies are pivotal in reshaping workplace cultures and driving supportive policies
• Research shows women in manufacturing thrive with access to role models, networks, and supportive communities

Recognition: Part of Women MAKE America awards and events; honored alongside other Women MAKE Award recipients

Selection Process: Nominees selected for their dedication to positive workplace culture and innovation that strengthens manufacturing sector

Nomination Process

1. Nomination Method: Submit nomination through Manufacturing Institute Champion Award Nomination Guide
2. Nominator Eligibility: Any colleague or industry peer can nominate
3. Nomination Content Required:
   • Identification of transformative contributions to advancing women
   • Examples of innovation, mentorship, and community engagement
   • Demonstration of extraordinary impact on company and industry culture
   • Evidence of role modeling and sponsorship of women leaders

Selection Criteria

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Transformative Leadership: Executive-level leader making extraordinary contributions
• Women's Advancement: Concrete evidence of advancing women in manufacturing roles
• Cultural Impact: Reshaping workplace cultures through supportive policies and practices
• Mentorship & Sponsorship: Developing women leaders and creating networks
• Innovation: Driving new approaches to women's advancement and inclusion
• Community Contribution: Industry-wide impact beyond their own organization

Application Materials

Nomination guide provided by Manufacturing Institute (document available on website)

Timeline

No specific deadline mentioned in materials; ongoing nomination period

Recognition

• Recognition as Champion Award recipient
• Honor at Women MAKE America awards ceremony
• Inclusion in Women MAKE America initiative materials and communications
• National recognition through Manufacturing Institute