The Manufacturing Institute awarded Danette Swank, president, Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc., with the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Award on Thursday, March 26, 2015.
“Being an honoree at the 3rd annual STEP Ahead Awards was such a wonderful experience” said Danette Swank. “To be in the midst of 129 other female manufacturing professionals was very inspiring. It opened my eyes to the ways I can help others in my community and the industries I’m involved in to be aware of the many solid career paths manufacturing can take someone. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and honor.”
Pat Hagenbuch, corporate secretary, shares this sentiment: “Always remember the roots you have been brought up and live by for they are the essence of who you are today and the success you have become.”
“These 130 women are the faces of exciting careers in manufacturing,” said Jennifer McNelly, president, The Manufacturing Institute. “We chose to honor these women because they each made significant achievements in manufacturing through positive impact on their company and the industry as a whole.”
The STEP Awards are part of the larger STEP Ahead initiative, launched to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research, and leadership for attracting, advancing, and retaining strong female talent.
A recent survey from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute found that 80 percent of American manufacturing companies have a moderate to severe shortage of available, qualified workers, which is echoed by Swank.
On March 26, The Manufacturing Institute recognized 130 recipients of the STEP Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C. The STEP Awards program highlighted each Honoree’s story, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing.