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°Â¾±³Ù³óÌý now open for the 2021 STEP Ahead Awards, it’s a perfect time to revisit the impressive stories about STEP winners that we’ve covered this year.Ìý

A brief recap:ÌýThe Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Ahead Awards are designed to honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering and production (STEP) careers.ÌýThe awards are part of theÌýSTEP Women’s Initiative, whichÌýaims toÌý²õ³ó°ù¾±²Ô°ìÌýthe gender gapÌýin manufacturing, buildÌý·É´Ç³¾±ð²Ô’sÌýleadership skills and elevateÌýextraordinary women to serve as role models for current manufacturers and the workforce of the future.ÌýÌý

The nominationsÌýprocess:ÌýIf you have a peer or colleague who deserves recognition for her leadership, you canÌýÌýanyÌýtime beforeÌýOctober 2. Check out this handy nominationsÌýÌýfor more information.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Since the awards began in 2012, The Manufacturing Institute has honored more than 1,000 extraordinary women acrossÌýtheÌýmanufacturingÌýindustry. Here some of their stories:ÌýÌý

• BehlenÌýGeneral Manager for Customer FabricationÌýHeatherÌýMacholanÌý(a 2013 STEPÌýhonoree) isÌýworking withÌýschool labsÌýtoÌý3-D print protective gear.Ìý
• AAONÌýCommunity Relations AdministratorÌýStephanie CameronÌý(a 2015 STEPÌýhonoree)ÌýisÌýworking with her company to cleanÌýmedical facilities’ airÌýduring COVID-19.Ìý
• LAMATEK Vice PresidentÌýLauraÌýBasaraÌý(aÌý2017 STEP Ahead honoree)ÌýhasÌýhelped her companyÌýprovide millions of pieces of foam for face shields.Ìý
• Galley Support Innovations’ÌýCEOÌýGina RadkeÌý(a 2019 STEP Ahead honoree)Ìýwrote a bookÌýto inspire other women to get involved in manufacturing leadership.Ìý
• ID4A Technologies’ÌýCEO and FounderÌýRaniaÌýHoteitÌý(a 2020 STEP Ahead AwardsÌýhonoree)ÌýisÌýsupportingÌýthe manufacturing and distribution of critical medical devices and health care products.Ìý
• AdafruitÌýFounder andÌýOwner (and 2019 STEP Ahead honoree)ÌýLimorÌýFriedÌýis making electronic components for essential medical machines.Ìý