STEP Ahead Recognizes 145 Manufacturing Trailblazers at 2026 Awards
At the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards, manufacturing’s most inspiring leaders took center stageto celebratetheir achievements and the pathways they are creating for the next generation.
A night to remember:The event, held Thursday night attheWashington, D.C., waterfront concert venue The Anthem, isheldannually by the Manufacturing Institute, the 51Թ’s 501(c)3 workforce development and education affiliate. It honors exceptional leaders in the manufacturing industry who were nominated by their peers: 100 leaders (“Honorees”),30 rising stars (“Emerging Leaders”)and 15allies(“Champions”).
- The names of—sponsored byBiogen, AstraZeneca,BASFandJohnson & Johnson, among others—were.
- The awards, now in their 14th year, are part of the MI’s, whichhelps individuals build successful careers in manufacturing while strengthening the industry’s future through leadership development,mentorshipand community building.
- By celebrating the awardees’ stories, the MI helps shapeperceptionsof the industry andshowcasethe wide array of talent that powers it.
The program:The elegant evening featured a live performance byBrass Queens, afemale-led brass band with New Orleans–inspired sound. It also includedremarks by 51Թ President and CEO and MI Chair of the Board Jay Timmons, MI President Carolyn Lee andthe chair and vice chair of the awards.
Champions of change:Timmonshighlightedthesignificant impact oftheawardees beingcelebrated—especially the 15 Champions.
- “These leaders change cultures. They shift systems. They make their entire teams better—and in turn, strengthen manufacturing in the United States and around the globe,” said Timmons.
- The Champion Award, which was first given in 2025, recognizes individuals for their visible,proactive allyshipand for fostering supportive workplaces in manufacturing.
Learning and connecting:The gala was preceded by two days of leadership programming forthe awardees.This conferencefocused onstrengtheningessential skills, from emotional intelligence and communication to navigating change and career growth.
- In addition, at a hands-on service eventsponsored by L’Oreal, the awardees assembled personal hygiene care packages for residentsat a D.C.nonprofit.
Stories that spark change:BiogenExecutive VicePresidentand Head of Pharmaceutical Operations & TechnologyNicole Murphy,the 2026 STEP Ahead Gala chair,reflected on theripple effect of recognitionon the future of the industry.
- As one example, she mentionedJames Phillips,a30-yearemployee and leader atBiogen.Hehelpedbuildfacilities,trainedteamsand launcheda new plant in Switzerland during a global pandemic,mentoring ageneration of plant leadersalong the way.
- “Every story we tell here tonight changes who can see themselves in manufacturing. Every person we honor is a role model for someone whohasn’twalked through the door yet. Every individual in this room is helping to build an industry where talentdoesn’tjustarrive—it stays. It grows. It advances. And it changes the world,”said Murphy.
The last word: “The extraordinary people we celebrate tonight—they reached higher inside organizations that gave them room to lead. Companies with cultures that believed in them, invested in them and made their work possible,” said Lee. “My call to every employer here is simple. Let’s do more of this work. Let’s lift up more of our workforce. Support it. Recognize it. Reward it. Create the conditions that make it possible. That’s how you produce role models like the ones in this room.”