Lori Tapani Accepts the National STEP Ahead Award in Washington DC
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Lori Tapani, 2017 STEP Ahead Award Honoree
Stacy, Minn., –Lori Tapani, Co-President of Wyoming Machine in Stacy, Minn., accepted the national STEP award in Washington DC on April 20 for her contributions to the manufacturing industry. The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) award is given annually to honor the achievements of women in manufacturing.
The Manufacturing Institute launched the STEP Ahead initiative in 2012 to celebrate women in the manufacturing industry that are making a difference through advocacy, mentorship, engagement, promotion, and leadership.
Manufacturing faces a serious skills gap. Part of this gap is the underrepresentation of women in the industry. Women make up about 47 percent of the labor force, but only 27 percent of the manufacturing workforce. To help improve upon this, The Manufacturing Institute is promoting the role of women in manufacturing through the STEP Ahead initiative, which serves to mentor and recognize women while also leading research efforts tackling this important topic.
Lori promotes women in manufacturing and skills development on many fronts. She has been especially involved with Pine Technical College in Pine City, Minn., to assist the college with a state-of-the-art manufacturing technology curriculum. In particular, she has worked with the college to use technology to bring virtual classes to manufacturers to train their employees. She also serves on Pine Technical College’s board of trustees and in many other ways. In addition, she plays an active role in the Washington County chapter of the National Association of Workforce Boards to help communities train unskilled workers for careers in manufacturing.
Joe Mulford, President of Pine Technical College, said: “Lori leverages her experience, skills, and passion to be extremely effective in driving the long-term vision for Pine Technical and Community College (PTCC). She has demonstrated leadership within the college by committing time to help faculty develop new curriculum and guidance on equipment purchase, and is exceptional in communicating its value. Her extensive experience working with multiple boards gives her access to critical leaders and decision-makers that results in policy, which ultimately helps sustain a strong manufacturing sector in Minnesota.”
Lori explained her dedication to people and manufacturing in this way: “People are my passion! In manufacturing, we use processes and technology/innovation to transform raw materials into final products. That transformation is powered by people with diverse skill sets working collaboratively! Identifying and harnessing the unique gifts and talents that each person brings to the team is where the magic happens.”