Page 35 - Metallforming Magazine December 2020

MetalForming recognizes the 38 winners and
30 honorable-mention recipients in this
year’s class.
A STAFF REPORT
While women comprise nearly half of the U.S. labor force, they account for only 29 percent of the nation’s 13 mil- lion manufacturing jobs. This fact, from Carolyn Lee, executive director of the Manufacturing Institute, the work- force development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, speaks to two points.
One is the growing representation of women in manufacturing, where only a couple of decades ago, the idea of such a significant percentage would have been unthinkable. The second is the need to continue pushing. The aging of the manufacturing workforce and the shortage of skilled labor demand action if we expect this vital segment of the economy to remain viable and exceptional.
Toward this end, MetalForming magazine, in conjunction with the Pre- cision Metalforming Association (PMA) and with the support of the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM), presents its Fifth Annual Women of Excellence Awards, honor- ing the accomplishments and commit-
ments of women in metal forming and fabricating. In 2020, we formally rec- ognize 38 winners and 30 honorable- mention recipients—women in leader- ship positions or on the shop floor, those who represent dedication to their company and the industry, and demonstrate excellence in meeting their workplace responsibilities.
The staggering amount of entries is testament to the abundance of talent in the female manufacturing work- force, and made selection a most diffi- cult process. We thank all who were nominated, and those who nominated them.
“As a provider of information high- lighting metal forming technology and productivity, MetalForming proudly recognizes achievement through our Women of Excellence awards pro- gram,” says Brad Kuvin, MetalForming editorial director. “The 2020 class, like those of the previous four years, repre- sents the best of the best, and provides excellent examples and inspiration for
those who may follow in their foot- steps.”
Efforts to increase manufacturing opportunities for women while recog- nizing their skills is an important func- tion of PMA, MetalForming’s parent organization, and WiM, an organiza- tion that grew out of PMA’s commit- ment to these efforts.
“MetalForming’s Women of Excel- lence winners are examples of talent and perseverance,” says Allison Gre- alis, WiM president and founder. “I can’t help but be encouraged by their stories and accomplishments. I hope that these women encourage other young women, and men, to pursue careers in this industry.”
Read on for the list of honorees along with their quotes that explain why manufacturing was the ideal career for them, and why others should consider this path. And, visit www.metalformingmagazine.com for an extended presentation featuring winner biographies.
WiM Expands Resources to Support and Advance Women in Industry
The Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM), with more than 5000 members, is the only national association dedicated year-round to supporting, promoting and inspiring women who have chosen a career in the manufacturing industry. The group encourages the engagement of women who want to share perspectives, gain cutting-edge manufactur- ing information, improve leadership and communication skills, participate in sponsoring programs, and network with peers. WiM encompasses manufacturers of all types and wel- comes individuals from every job function—from production to the C-suite—and is inclusive to men. Members benefit from exclusive access to regional and national programming, networking opportunities, formal leadership development certificate programs, profession- al-development webinars, a customized employment tool called WiMWorks, virtual career fairs, the monthly IMPACT e-newsletter, and a robust searchable directory.
For more, visit www.womeninmanufacturing.org.
33 MetalForming/December 2020
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