Input Stories

The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—has announced the two outstanding manufacturing leaders who will serve as chair and vice chair of the MI’s STEP Ahead Awards.

• Biogen Executive Vice President, Head of Pharmaceutical Operations and Technology Nicole Murphy will serve as chair, and AstraZeneca Senior Vice President and Global Head of Pharmaceutical Technology and Development Dafni Bika will serve as vice chair.

The background: The STEP Ahead Awards honor remarkable women and allies in manufacturing, who are advancing the industry everywhere from the shop floor to the C-suite. Honorees are nominated by their colleagues for their exceptional leadership in their workplaces and communities.

The chair: With more than three decades of experience and leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry, Murphy is an expert in manufacturing operations, engineering, chemistry, manufacturing and controls process development and regulatory, quality and supply chain management.

• She has achieved improvements in safety and quality, optimized production processes and helped ensure a reliable supply of potentially lifesaving medicines for patients around the globe.
• Thanks to her strategic leadership and commitment to mentorship and talent development, Murphy has not only achieved impressive business results but also set up the next generation for further successes.

What she’s saying: “It is a tremendous honor to serve as chair for the STEP Ahead Awards program and to celebrate the remarkable women and allies who are shaping the future of manufacturing,” said Murphy.

• “In today’s ever-evolving and high-paced manufacturing environment, it is critical we recognize women and allies at all levels for their innovative spirit and leadership—they are building the talent pipeline of manufacturing leaders. I look forward to learning from their inspiring stories and recognizing the impact they’re having on manufacturing, technology and society.”

The vice chair: Bika also brings more than 25 years of experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, the development and commercialization of new products and digital innovation.

What she’s saying: “I’m honored to be appointed vice chair of the MI’s 2026 STEP Ahead Awards,” said Bika. “This program recognizes the women and allies who are shaping the future of manufacturing with bold creativity and innovation.”

• “I’m deeply committed to advancing and inspiring the next generation in STEM to pursue careers in our industry, and I look forward to celebrating the remarkable leaders who will be honored next year.”

The MI says: “We are so fortunate to have two inspirational leaders—both working at the cutting edge of biopharmaceutical manufacturing—agree to lead and advise on the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee.

• “Both Nicole and Dafni embody all that manufacturing has to offer as a career path. They are making these opportunities visible and inspiring a future generation of manufacturing team members.”

Stay tuned: The 2026 awardees will be announced ahead of the STEP Ahead Awards Gala on April 23, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.