The Manufacturing Institute (MI), the workforce development and education partner of the US National Association of Manufacturers, announced it will award Novolex Chief Technology Officer Dr. Adrianne Tipton with the Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award.
The STEP Ahead Awards celebrate women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.
“It’s an honour to be recognised amongst this incredible group of women in the manufacturing field,” said Adrianne Tipton, PhD, Chief Technology Officer of Novolex, a company that develops and manufactures diverse packaging products for multiple industries.
“I am proud to accept this award and be able to continue to promote opportunities for women at Novolex and encourage others to seek roles in the broader manufacturing sector.”
The STEP Women’s Initiative programme aims to close the gender gap in manufacturing 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 STEP Ahead Awards are central to the industry’s efforts to recognise and empower women,” said Carolyn Lee, President of MI. “Our Honorees and Emerging Leaders serve as role models and have their own multiplier effect on the number of women in the workforce, paying it forward to help others find their way into a successful, rewarding career in modern manufacturing.”
The biggest challenge facing manufacturers continues to be the growing workforce crisis — the shortage of skilled talent to fill open positions. Manufacturers can close the skills gap by 50% simply by bringing 10% more women into the industry.
Women account for about half of the U.S. labour force but represent less than one-third of the manufacturing workforce. STEP Ahead empowers and inspires women in the manufacturing industry. The goal is to build networks for women to have support in their industry and to elevate the role models who can motivate and mentor the next generation.
On April 28, the MI will recognise 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards in Washington, D.C. The STEP Ahead Awards program will highlight each Honoree and Emerging Leader’s story, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing.