STEP Ahead Awards Recognize Three New Jersey Women for Excellence in Manufacturing

On Apr 20, 2017

The Manufacturing Institute will award three New Jersey women with Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards at a reception in Washington, DC today. In total, 130 women will be honored from across the country who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry.

The New Jersey honorees are:

Laura Basara, Vice President, LAMATEK, Inc., West Deptford

·       Laura has been one of the driving forces behind LAMATEK’s growth. She began her career with the company in 1996 in Customer Service, was promoted to Sales Manager, National Sales Manager, and is now the Executive Vice President. She has a vision for LAMATEK and motivates others to share that vision. Laura has built partnerships with both suppliers and customers over the course of two decades and continuously encourages education and training throughout the company.

Cynthia Casmay, Senior Specialist, Business Consulting, Merck & Co., White House Station

·       Tasked with driving performance in areas known to have significant issues, Cynthia often finds herself in the challenging situation of having to deliver unpopular messages to those she works closely with, most of whom are senior to her. Her systematic approach and ability to build trust and connect with the organizations she supports routinely result in improved performance.  She is effective in assessing situations, identifying changes needed, and in helping to bring about change in mind-set and behavior to accomplish business results.

Caroline Richardson, New Product Introduction Engineering Manager, Abbott Point of Care, Princeton

·       Caroline earned several promotions at Abbott over five years in recognition of her strong performance and goal achievements resulting from her focus on excellence, breadth of problem solving skills, and ability to quickly process disparate pieces of information to develop cohesive solutions.

“These women are making huge strides in this industry and are demonstrating what modern manufacturing careers are all about–rewarding and fulfilling careers with limitless opportunity for growth. This year’s STEP Ahead class brings together inspiring leaders to help us promote diverse workforces and recruit the next generation of manufacturing leaders to develop the future of this industry,” said National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons.

Over the last five years, STEP Ahead Award winners have (conservatively) impacted more than 300,000 individuals – from peers in the industry to school age children. And over their lifetime, they have impacted nearly 650,000 individuals, according to research released today by The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte and APICS Supply Chain Council.

“Companies across the US agree there is a talent shortage in manufacturing. STEP Ahead is working to close this gap by tapping into a vital resource – women,” said Heidi Alderman, 2017 Chair of STEP Ahead and Senior Vice President, Intermediates North America, BASF Corporation. “It is an honor to be a part of a cause that is so important to me personally, but also my company and our entire nation.”

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