For any questions, please contact STEPAhead@nam.org or access the Nominations Guide for helpful information to get started!
STEP Ahead Awards
The STEP Ahead Awards honor exceptional individuals in manufacturing whose leadership, mentorship and impact extend across their companies, communities and the industry at large. These leaders serve as living proof of what a manufacturing career can become. By celebrating their stories, STEP Ahead helps reshape perceptions of the industry, showcases the array of talent that powers it and builds a stronger future for manufacturing.
Each year, 145 leaders are recognized for their achievements - spanning career stages, disciplines and sectors - proving that leadership in manufacturing takes many forms.
Ahead of the STEP Ahead Awards, awardees participate in a Leadership Conference designed to equip them with tools to inspire others, strengthen workplace cultures and advance the manufacturing workforce of the future.
The conference builds lasting connections and ensures awardees return to their organizations energized to continue serving as visible, influential leaders in their organizations.
Who Should You Nominate?
We're looking for nominees who:
- Excel in their roles and deliver exceptional business results
- Actively mentor, sponsor or support the next generation of talent
- Drive positive change in their workplaces and communities
- Serve as role models for the manufacturing industry
Award Categories
- Honoree: Established professionals who have made a significant, sustained impact in their organization and across their community.
- Emerging Leader: Rising professionals who are already making an impact in the manufacturing industry. Whether early in their careers or newly transitioned into the industry, nominees typically have fewer than 10 years of manufacturing experience. They stand out for their leadership, fresh perspective and strong potential to shape the future of the industry.
- Champion: Individuals who demonstrate allyship in action. Champions actively support others by fostering supportive cultures, opening doors and modeling leadership that ensures all talent can thrive. Champions are typically senior leaders and are known for their commitment to mentorship, advocacy and building strong teams across the organization.
How to Nominate
- Review the Nominations Guide for eligibility, selection criteria and tips for a strong submission
- Gather the required information for your nominee
- Complete and submit the online form before the deadline of Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Each company may submit up to 12 total nominations: up to 10 across the Honoree and Emerging Leader categories combined, and up to 2 in the Champion category.
Ready to Get Started?
Click the green "Apply" button on the top right of this page.
Resources
Check out our Nominations Guide that includes helpful information to get started!
You can review competitive essays below:
- Emerging Leader Sample Essays
- Honoree Sample Essays
- Champion Sample Essays
2027 STEP Ahead Awards
For any questions, please contact STEPAhead@nam.org or access the Nominations Guide for helpful information to get started!
STEP Ahead Awards
The STEP Ahead Awards honor exceptional individuals in manufacturing whose leadership, mentorship and impact extend across their companies, communities and the industry at large. These leaders serve as living proof of what a manufacturing career can become. By celebrating their stories, STEP Ahead helps reshape perceptions of the industry, showcases the array of talent that powers it and builds a stronger future for manufacturing.
Each year, 145 leaders are recognized for their achievements - spanning career stages, disciplines and sectors - proving that leadership in manufacturing takes many forms.
Ahead of the STEP Ahead Awards, awardees participate in a Leadership Conference designed to equip them with tools to inspire others, strengthen workplace cultures and advance the manufacturing workforce of the future.
The conference builds lasting connections and ensures awardees return to their organizations energized to continue serving as visible, influential leaders in their organizations.
Who Should You Nominate?
We're looking for nominees who:
- Excel in their roles and deliver exceptional business results
- Actively mentor, sponsor or support the next generation of talent
- Drive positive change in their workplaces and communities
- Serve as role models for the manufacturing industry
Award Categories
- Honoree: Established professionals who have made a significant, sustained impact in their organization and across their community.
- Emerging Leader: Rising professionals who are already making an impact in the manufacturing industry. Whether early in their careers or newly transitioned into the industry, nominees typically have fewer than 10 years of manufacturing experience. They stand out for their leadership, fresh perspective and strong potential to shape the future of the industry.
- Champion: Individuals who demonstrate allyship in action. Champions actively support others by fostering supportive cultures, opening doors and modeling leadership that ensures all talent can thrive. Champions are typically senior leaders and are known for their commitment to mentorship, advocacy and building strong teams across the organization.
How to Nominate
- Review the Nominations Guide for eligibility, selection criteria and tips for a strong submission
- Gather the required information for your nominee
- Complete and submit the online form before the deadline of Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Each company may submit up to 12 total nominations: up to 10 across the Honoree and Emerging Leader categories combined, and up to 2 in the Champion category.
Ready to Get Started?
Click the green "Apply" button on the top right of this page.
Resources
Check out our Nominations Guide that includes helpful information to get started!
You can review competitive essays below:
- Emerging Leader Sample Essays
- Honoree Sample Essays
- Champion Sample Essays