Women MAKE Awards (Women MAKE America Initiative)

Women MAKE Awards

The Women MAKE Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers across all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite. Part of the Women MAKE America initiative working to close the talent gap in manufacturing.

Purpose:

• To honor women for excellence and leadership in manufacturing
• To reshape perceptions of the industry
• To showcase talent and opportunity for women in manufacturing
• To inspire young women to envision themselves in modern manufacturing careers
• To elevate role models and demonstrate what leadership in manufacturing looks like today

Award Categories:

• 100 Honorees - recognizing women at all levels demonstrating exceptional leadership
• 30 Emerging Leaders - recognizing young women who are the future of the industry with demonstrated exceptional accomplishments early in their careers

Number of Recipients: 130 total recipients annually (100 Honorees + 30 Emerging Leaders)

Cumulative Impact: Since inception, the Women MAKE Awards have recognized approximately 1,700 outstanding individuals

Geographic Scope: United States manufacturing sector

Eligibility:

• Women working in manufacturing at any level
• Selected from thousands of nominations submitted by peers
• Recognized for making significant contributions to their companies, communities, and efforts to cultivate next generation of skilled talent
• Demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers

Industry Context:

• Manufacturing industry faces critical talent gap: 400,000+ monthly job openings
• 3.8 million positions need to be filled by 2033
• Women represent ~50% of U.S. labor force but <30% of manufacturing workforce
• Initiative aims to close this gender gap and strengthen talent pipeline

Recognition & Events:

• Profile book featuring awardees and their stories
• Annual Women MAKE Awards Gala ceremony
• 2025 awards ceremony: April 24, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Mission Alignment: The awards strengthen the future of the industry by inspiring the next generation through role models who are "paying it forward" to engage young women in manufacturing careers.

Nomination Process

1. Nomination Source: Nominations submitted by peers/colleagues
2. Nomination Volume: Thousands of nominations received annually
3. Selection Criteria: Winners selected for outstanding leadership in companies and communities
4. Award Categories: Nominations can be for Honoree or Emerging Leader status

Recognition Timeline

• Announcement: Winners announced ahead of annual gala ceremony
• Awards Ceremony: Annual Women MAKE Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.
• 2025 Event Date: April 24, 2025

Materials Provided to Awardees

• Profile book featuring awardee stories and accomplishments
• Press release and communications support
• Social media recognition
• Logo visibility

Post-Award Engagement

• Awardees join peer network of manufacturing leaders
• Opportunities to participate in Women MAKE America initiative activities
• Role modeling and mentorship opportunities for next generation
• Community building among recognized leaders