Women MakingCA
Celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women in California’s manufacturing industry at CMTA’s Annual Women MakingCA Conference and awards ceremony hosted every March during Women’s History Month. This year’s conference was presented by Union Pacific on March 5, 2024, in Sacramento, CA at the prestigious Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.Â
Women are 47% of the American workforce, but only 30% work in manufacturing
Nearly 75% of women in manufacturing recommend a career in the industry
Women make up 1 in 4 manufacturing leaders
2024 Women MakingCA Award Honorees
The Annual Women MakingCA Conference and Awards presented by Union Pacific recognizes women from the factory floor to California’s state capitol who are investing in the manufacturing industry. The conference & awards identify top talent in the industry and gives women a platform to showcase the incredible opportunities the manufacturing industry offers, whether they are running the company, designing the next big product, testing innovations on the shop floor, or fighting for legislation.
The awards are a CMTA member-exclusive benefit. Learn more about the benefits of membership here.
Manufacturer of the Year
Nazeli Dertsakian, Genentech
Manufacturer of the Year Award recognizes a woman who has displayed unparalleled excellence and leadership in the manufacturing industry within California. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of a female leader whose visionary strategies, innovative approaches, and commitment to excellence have significantly impacted the manufacturing landscape in the region. This nominee will have more than 10 years of experience in the manufacturing industry.
Innovator of the Year
Elizabeth McAfee, Aemetis, Inc.
The Innovator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding women in California’s manufacturing industry who have demonstrated exceptional innovation and creativity within the manufacturing sector. This award celebrates the pioneering spirit and visionary leadership of women who have introduced groundbreaking ideas, technologies, or processes, leading to significant progress and positive change in the manufacturing landscape. Nominee is currently employed at a manufacturing company at any level from the factory floor and up to the C-suite.
Service Provider of the Year
Pamela Damato, IMSM
This award goes to an associate member of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association who has demonstrated excellence in delivering valuable services, solutions, and support to the manufacturing sector. Nominees of this award have a proven track record of customer service, strong partnerships, and solutions to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry.
Emerging Leader
Kayli Kowalski, Solar Turbines
Rising female talent employed in the manufacturing industry that have made significant contributions and excelled early in their career. Nominees will range from 18 to 40 years old and exhibit strong leadership potential, demonstrating the ability to inspire and motivate others. This person has shown a dedication to manufacturing as well as to their community.
Emerging Leader
Mallorie Hayes, Blue Diamond Growers
Rising female talent employed in the manufacturing industry that have made significant contributions and excelled early in their career. Nominees will range from 18 to 40 years old and exhibit strong leadership potential, demonstrating the ability to inspire and motivate others. This person has shown a dedication to manufacturing as well as to their community.
Emerging Leader
Jacquelyne Colvis, Siemens Mobility
Rising female talent employed in the manufacturing industry that have made significant contributions and excelled early in their career. Nominees will range from 18 to 40 years old and exhibit strong leadership potential, demonstrating the ability to inspire and motivate others. This person has shown a dedication to manufacturing as well as to their community.
Emerging Leader
Catalina Elias, CalPortland
Rising female talent employed in the manufacturing industry that have made significant contributions and excelled early in their career. Nominees will range from 18 to 40 years old and exhibit strong leadership potential, demonstrating the ability to inspire and motivate others. This person has shown a dedication to manufacturing as well as to their community.
Emerging Leader
Annie Oryall, Marine Group Boat Works
Rising female talent employed in the manufacturing industry that have made significant contributions and excelled early in their career. Nominees will range from 18 to 40 years old and exhibit strong leadership potential, demonstrating the ability to inspire and motivate others. This person has shown a dedication to manufacturing as well as to their community.
2023 Women MakingCA Award Honorees
Nominations Closed for 2024 Awards
For more information on CMTA’s Women MakingCA Awards, contact Ananda Rochita, Vice President of Communications, at arochita@cmta.net.
Nominations have closed for the 2024 Women MakingCA Awards. Nominees will be notified shortly.
Awards Criteria & Key Dates
Do I have to be a member of CMTA to nominate myself or someone else?
Yes, at this time, the Women MakingCA Awards is a member-exclusive benefit for our CMTA members.
Can I nominate myself?
Self-nominations are accepted. Companies are encouraged to have one point of contact for nominations.
How many people can I nominate?
A maximum of ten applications may be submitted by a single company.
How long is the nomination process?
Nominations will be accepted via the form above from November 15, 2023 to January 15, 2024. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. PST on January 15.Â
How are award winners selected?
CMTA senior leaders will choose the winners based on applications.
When will the winners be announced?
All award winners will be notified on January 29, 2024. From there, the public announcement of awards will be on February 1, 2024.
Honorees of the 2024 Women MakingCA Awards will be recognized at CMTA’s 3rd Annual Women MakingCA Conference during Women’s History Month. Each award winner will receive one complimentary ticket to the conference. Join us at our conference on March 5, 2024 at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento, CA to celebrate your accomplishments!