Daily CSR
Daily CSR

Daily CSR
Daily news about corporate social responsibility, ethics and sustainability

Women MAKE Awards: Celebrating Leadership and Achievements in Manufacturing



04/22/2024


The Manufacturing Institute, in partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers, has announced Susy Zazueta from Whirlpool Corporation’s Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, operations as a recipient of the 2024 Women MAKE Awards. This prestigious program celebrates women who exhibit outstanding leadership and excellence across all levels of the manufacturing sector, from factory floors to executive suites.
 
"I've dedicated myself to achieving results and making a difference in the manufacturing realm, where action is highly valued," stated Zazueta, who serves as the plant director at Whirlpool Corp.’s Ramos Arizpe operations. "I actively seek opportunities to mentor and support others as they navigate their careers in manufacturing. It's a field where individual contributions culminate in remarkable outcomes, profoundly impacting our communities and consumers."
 
The Women MAKE Awards form a crucial component of the MI’s Women MAKE America initiative, aimed at bridging the gender gap in manufacturing. Despite comprising about half of the U.S. labor force, women constitute less than one-third of the manufacturing workforce. Women MAKE America strives to empower and inspire women within the industry, thus cultivating a modern manufacturing workforce for the 21st century.
 
Denise Johnson, Caterpillar Group President of Resource Industries and Chair of the Women MAKE Awards, emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating women's achievements in manufacturing. The awards not only highlight the diverse and fulfilling career paths available in the industry but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of female manufacturing leaders.
 
The Women MAKE Awards gala honors 100 industry leaders (Honorees) and 30 emerging stars (Emerging Leaders) nominated by their respective companies for their innovation, dedication, and exemplary leadership. Honorees gain exclusive access to a two-day leadership development conference in Washington, D.C., preceding the awards ceremony. Since its inception in 2011, the program has recognized over 1,400 Honorees and Emerging Leaders, fostering a culture of recognition and support within the manufacturing community.

“I was so excited to hear that Susy will be recognized for her many achievements,” said Dale Laws, Whirlpool Corp. VP NAR Manufacturing.
 
“Susy brings a level of infectious energy, passion and commitment to her work. She is a role model as a leader and a subject matter expert in her field. She is well deserving of this selection as a Women MAKE America Honoree.
 
“With more than 600,000 open jobs in manufacturing today and the continued need to fill millions more jobs by the end of the decade, it’s critical for manufacturers to engage the largest underrepresented pool of talent: women,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “The 2024 Women MAKE Awards gala promises to be an inspirational, powerful event, where some of the brightest stars in manufacturing will be recognized for the incredible work they have done—both to grow our industry and to uplift others like them.”

The Manufacturing Institute is set to honor 130 recipients of the Women MAKE Awards in Washington, D.C., on April 18. The event will showcase the inspiring stories of each Honoree and Emerging Leader, shining a spotlight on their leadership qualities and notable achievements within the manufacturing industry.