At GE Appliances we've always thought our employees are a STEP ahead in terms of talent and achievement, but it's nice when others feel the same.

The Manufacturing Institute recently selected Lisa Skidmore, senior director of advanced quality engineering, as a 2021 STEP Ahead Award honoree.

The STEP Ahead Awards highlight the achievements of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) careers.

A STEP Ahead award honoree is an individual currently employed in manufacturing at any level of the company, from the factory floor to the C-suite, who has made significant achievements in the industry through her positive impact on a company and her ability to engage the next generation of female talent.

Skidmore joined GE in 2011 but has spent her entire career in manufacturing. She joins an elite group of STEP Ahead awards winners, including fellow GE Appliances women in manufacturing Lauren Speaker, Lois Crandell, Renee Story and Marcia Brey.

The STEP Women's Initiative is the nation's marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing.

STEP works to foster a 21st-century manufacturing workforce by empowering and inspiring women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research and leadership, as well as by motivating alumnae to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation.

The goal is to shrink the gender gap and increase innovation by building networks and developing skills for women in the industry and to identify and elevate the role models who can inspire the next generation.

Congratulations to Lisa Skidmore on this prestigious honor!

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