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Women MAKE Awards (Women MAKE America Initiative)

THE MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Women MAKE Awards

Overview: 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.

    Contact: The Manufacturing Institute, [email protected], (202) 637-3426

    Website: themanufacturinginstitute.org

    How to Apply

    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

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    womenworkforce-development

    Categories

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