Three women in the marine manufacturing industry received 2018 STEP Ahead Awards. They are Valerie Harriell, vice president of human resources, Volvo Penta of the Americas, Alicia Harris, manager, quality and planning, Brunswick Corporation – Brunswick Boat Group, and Shelley Tubaugh, vice president of marketing, Grady-White Boats, Inc. The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead initiative began in 2012 to celebrate women in the manufacturing industry who are making a difference through advocacy, mentorship, engagement, promotion and leadership.

The STEP Ahead Awards highlight the achievements of real women in manufacturing on a national stage. STEP Ahead aims to “close the skills and gender gap” and inspire future generations of women to consider careers in manufacturing. For more information, visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.