Microboard’s CEO, Nicole Russo, was inducted into The American Manufacturing Hall of Fame as a 2024 Woman of Distinction. It was an unforgettable moment, and many thanks are extended to the entire Microboard team for their dedication to process excellence for over 40 years. It was an inspiring event, hosted by The Jackson Laboratory. Here are some key takeaways:
Key Takeaways
- More opportunities for women and people of color must be cultivated within the manufacturing space. Witnessing the other incredible honorees’ achievements underscored the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion at every level of manufacturing.
- There is an urgent need to bridge the gap between education and employment in the manufacturing sector. As leaders, it’s imperative for us to actively collaborate with educational institutions and policymakers to develop programs that equip the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape of high-tech manufacturing.
- Senator Richard Blumenthal had insightful thoughts on the future of manufacturing and where the sector is headed in the digital age.
2024 Inductees & Leadership Award Recipients
Congratulations to Arburg, Inc., Collins Aerospace, Horst Engineering, and Otis Elevator Co. on their inductions and to Marcia LaFemina, and Mary Fitzgerald on their awards.
2024 Women of Distinction in Manufacturing
Cindi Bigelow, Bigelow Tea
Stephanie Blackwell, Aurora Products
Jessica Chavez, Trumpf, Inc.
Kate Donahue, Hampford Research
Shelley Fasano, Dymotek Corporation
Mary Fitzgerald, ACME Wire Products Co., Inc
Dr. Jacquelynn Garofano, CCAT
Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP
Laura Grondin, Virginia Industries
Brittany Isherwood, Burke Aerospace
Marcia LaFemina, Penn Globe
Marietta Lee, Lee Company
Janet Link, Stanley Black & Decker
Judy Marks, Otis Worldwide Corporation
Jill Mayer, Bead Industries
Claude-Helene McIntyre, Arburg, Inc.
Martha Prou, Phoenix Manufacturing
Nicole Russo, Microboard
Kathy Saint, Schwerdtle
Dr. Kelli-Marie Vallieres, CT Office of Workforce Strategy
Congratulations to all the 2024 inductees! Nicole Russo remarked, “To the extraordinary women recognized, it’s an honor to stand alongside you. Together, let’s continue to amplify the voices of women in business, champion diversity, foster innovation, and collaborate towards a brighter future in manufacturing.”