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The Manufacturing Institute, the NAM’s workforce development and education affiliation, announced the 145 recipients of the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards on Monday. They will be honored at the STEP Ahead Awards Gala in April.

• The awards honor outstanding leaders in the industry at all career levels and all positions—from the shop floor to the C-suite—as they build the industry of the future and inspire the next generation of the workers.

Why it matters: With more than 400,000 openings in the sector today—and an expected 3.8 million new employees needed by 2033—the industry requires leaders and role models to show prospective workers all that it can offer.

STEP leaders say: “As chair of the STEP Ahead Awards, I’m honored to recognize distinguished leaders who are strengthening manufacturing excellence by investing in the future talent pipeline. With our industry facing a critical workforce challenge, real innovation will only come from empowering our workforces and nurturing the next generation of leaders through mentorship, sponsorship and serving as strong role models,” Biogen Executive Vice President and Head of Pharmaceutical Operations and Technology Nicole Murphy said.

• “It’s a privilege to serve as vice chair of the STEP Ahead Awards and to highlight those who are reimagining what’s possible in our industry. I’m proud to see the next generation of female and ally leaders shaping the future of manufacturing and technology and inspiring others to see STEM careers as both meaningful and attainable,” AstraZeneca Senior Vice President and Global Head of Pharmaceutical Technology and Development Dafni Bika said.

The MI says: “The STEP Ahead Awards are truly a celebration of the outstanding character and contributions of so many members of the manufacturing workforce. Our industry is so fortunate to have so many inspiring leaders and mentors who are cultivating fulfilling workplace cultures that encourage people to join, stay and grow our workforce,” said MI President Carolyn Lee.

What’s next: The 2026 STEP Ahead Awards Gala will take place April 23, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. View the full list of awardees and learn more about the awards gala here.