The Manufacturing Institute — the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers — announced that Sarah Dale, Plant General Manager at International Paper has been recognized as a 2024 Women MAKE Awards honoree.
This annual national awards program honors women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.
“I was delighted to be selected for the Women MAKE Award,” Sarah said.
“For the organization to take time, which is in short supply, to consider me for this notable award, was a treasure, but then, for an external group to review my nomination alongside impressive leaders and recognize my work — I am honored.”
The Women MAKE Awards are part of the MI’s Women MAKE America initiative, which is the nation’s marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing.
Women account for about half of the U.S. labor force but represent less than one-third of the manufacturing workforce. Women MAKE America aims to build the 21st-century manufacturing workforce by empowering and inspiring women in the industry.
“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.
As part of its Vision 2030 goals, IP aims to have 30 percent overall representation of women in all positions and 50 percent of women in salaried positions.
Additionally, the company’s Women in IP Employee Networking Circle (ENC) is committed to actively contributing to the growth and development of women in IP’s workforce, providing career guidance, professional development and fostering connections.
