
National Awards
The Women MAKE Awards (formerly the STEP Ahead Awards) recognize women who exemplify leadership in manufacturing.
Women MAKE America is the nation’s marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing. WMA works to foster a 21st-century manufacturing workforce by empowering and inspiring women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research and leadership, as well as by motivating alumnae to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation. The goal is to shrink the gender gap and increase innovation by building networks and developing skills for women in the industry and to identify and elevate the role models who can inspire the next generation.
Deploying strategies based on in-depth industry research, the Women MAKE America Initiative has empowered, inspired and connected more than 5,000 women and reached more than 20 million people—and we’re just getting started.
Our biggest talent opportunity comes from closing the gender gap in manufacturing, so now is the time to supercharge our proven strategies and reaffirm that Women MAKE America.
The 2024 Honorees have been announced; view their individual profiles below.
VIEW 2024 HONOREES VIEW ALL HONOREES
Susan Elkington, Senior Vice President of Electric Vehicle Supply, Toyota Motor North America
The Women MAKE Awards (formerly the STEP Ahead Awards) recognize women who exemplify leadership in manufacturing.
Women Connect (formerly known as STEP Forward) events are an opportunity for MFG women to learn from and connect with each other.
The community provides participants a place to connect, engage and share information and best practices in real time.