Workforce

The STEP Ahead Awards are back—and nominations are now open.

What’s going on: The Manufacturing Institute’s annual awards and gala are returning to its original name, STEP Ahead, recognizing standout women and allies in manufacturing. The MI is the NAM’s 501(c)3 workforce development and education affiliate.

• “By returning to the STEP Ahead name, we’re honoring the program’s history while expanding our mission to include both women and allies whose leadership bolsters our industry and shapes its future,” said STEP Ahead National Director Lexi Champion.

Who they’re looking for: Until Oct. 10, the MI is accepting the names and details of exceptional manufacturing leaders for nomination for the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards.

• Nominees and winners in past years have included manufacturing professionals who volunteer extensively in their communities, those who have started mentorship programs at their employer companies and individuals who have launched product lines.
• In short, the MI is seeking manufacturing professionals who “constantly exceed expectations making an impact in their companies and in their communities,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee.
• Awardees will be announced publicly in March and then celebrated at the awards gala in Washington, D.C., in April. Prior to the gala, awardees will participate in a two-day leadership conference in Washington, D.C., focused on peer learning, leadership development and inspiration.

Why it’s important: Manufacturing needs skilled talent—and the awards help “elevate proven role models whose leadership inspires others and helps attract and retain the talent our industry needs to thrive,” Champion said.

The details: To learn who’s eligible for nomination, how nominees are scored and selected and to see winning writing samples from past entrants, review the 2026 Nomination Guide and submit your nomination today.

Still need a hand? Join the MI for its webinar, Strategies for Successful Nominations, this Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT. Register here.