Tradeswoman of the Year
Chelsi Green
"Welding and leading with a servant's heart is my calling. I have been welding for 11 years and 9 of those years have been with TDIndustries. I am striving to become a lead/foreman in the next year and hoping to inspire many other women to join the trades! In addition to being a combination welder, I am also a Pipe fitter, plumber apprentice, and have experience using CAD. Right now, I am working on the water systems and duct work for the new Baylor Scott and White hospital in Frisco TX."
Innovator of the Year
Jill Miller
Jill Miller is a passionate advocate for economic mobility and a thought leader in supporting workers and underrepresented entrepreneurs. With over 20 years of experience in Enterprise Business Development, she now focuses on creating partnerships and innovations that promote economic growth. As Founder and CEO of LUNUM, a Human Capital Sustainability platform launched in 2022, she drives business diversity and holistic inclusion improvements. Previously, she founded Below the Line, which supports transitions to employee ownership and develops trauma-informed entrepreneurship curricula. Jill lives in Evanston, IL, with her two daughters and enjoys traveling and connecting with new people. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Spondylitis Association of America, hosts Spondycast, and is a member of the Empowering Women in Industry Steering Committee.
Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Swathi Nelabhatla
Swathi Nelabhatla is Founder of SheJobs(www.she-jobs.com), a Diversity focused organization that focuses on women and Underrepresented Minorities in USA & India. The company focuses on sustainable goal on Gender Equality and works with women who has gaps in career to get back to work and helps organizations to be on their Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives. SHEJOBS strive to create Return ship programs within organizations. Shejobs main focus is supporting Mothers who has children with disabilities. Swathi was felicitated and recognized as Global inspirational Leader in an initiative jointly conducted by House of Lords Parliament and White Page International in London, UK. Swathi is winner of Prestigious Tech Titans 2023 “Community Hero” award and she is finalist of TECHTITANS 2023 “Startup CEO” award. Shejobs is won as Best Digital job platform by Silicon India.com. Swathi is TedX speaker, and she has been awarded the 100 WOMEN TO KNOW IN AMERICA Award, a prestigious recognition and once-in-a-lifetime honor presented by Know Women and JPMC.SHEJOBS and Swathi has won many accolades and recognitions in USA and India.
Industry Advocacy
Jennifer Crozier
Jennifer Crozier is a business owner, influencer, mentor, speaker, children’s book author and ambassador. Jenny is a member of the Utah Valley Home Builders Association, Empowering Women in Industry, the Central Utah Leaders Academy, an ambassador with Crew Collaborative, Community Council Head Chair, on the Industry Advisory Board with the Trades Department at Snow College, Co-lead for her county with A Bolder Way Forward, and a member of the Sanpete Valley Chamber of Commerce. She continues to break barriers and recruit women and next gens into trades and industry programs. Jenny’s passion is working with youth to get them excited about future career opportunities and supporting them in achieving their goals.
Mentor of the Year
Daryl Anne Estill
Daryl is an experienced Project Manager in the commercial MEP construction industry, spanning semiconductor, pharmaceutical, offices, CNG stations, and multifamily markets, both in traditional and design-build deliveries. In addition to her direct role, she is integral to strategic planning, training and development, process improvements, and mentorship. As a public speaker, mentor, and industry leader her advocacy work focuses on Women in Construction/Industry, Gender Equity, Mental Health, and Servant Leadership. She also currently serves as Chair of TD Women’s Employee Resource Group, Committee Member & Mentor for the TD Wilmer Hutchins High School mentorship program, and Empowering Women in Industry Steering Committee Member.
Engineer of the Year
Rashmi Vadlakonda
"I tackle opportunities in the manufacturing industry using advanced technologies and Industry 4.0. I am passionate about uplifting the next generation of girls in STEM."
Marketer of the Year
Skye Nguyen
Skye Nguyen is a dynamic marketing leader with expertise in B2B and B2C environments. Currently the VP of Marketing for the Americas at Grundfos for the Domestic Division, Skye thrives and excels in data-driven strategies that drive revenue growth and customer engagement. Her career includes co-founding BlueSkye, LLC, and key roles at NCM Associates, Sprint (now T-Mobile), and creative agencies where she leveraged her PMP certification to provide project management and executive leadership. Dedicated to mentorship and community engagement, Skye has also served on such boards as the K-State Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Leadership in STEM / STEAM
Naomi Jabbari
Naomi Jabbari, P.E, “Heat Transfer Subject Matter Expert” and “Net Zero Leader” with 16 years of experience in Energy projects, works for S&B Engineers and Constructors, LTD in Houston, Texas. With B.S in Mechanical Engineering and M.S in Energy, Naomi has integrated experience in engineering, energy economics and U.S energy policy and strategy that can help organizations to achieve sustainable and long-term performance to create new growth opportunities and anticipate what will happen in the industry based on Net Zero by 2050 Scenarios. Naomi serves as vice chair of Houston communication committee for Heat Transfer Research Inc., chairs Heat Exchanger World Americas community and chairs Net Zero by 2050 Forums. She is steering committee member for industrial conferences such as Fugitive Emissions Americas, Valve World Americas and Mexico.
Her interests lie in engineering and strategic leadership based on circular economy and sustainability focusing on new technologies aligned with Net Zero by 2050 goals, electrification and digitalization and clean energy such as hydrogen production, carbon capture, and biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental challenges due to global warming in the U.S Energy projects to reach Net Zero by 2050.
Saleswoman of the Year
Rebecca Turner
Rebecca Turner is the Regional Sales Manager at Industrial Flow Solutions for the Northeastern US & Eastern Canada. She joined IFS in 2021 and is a 2005 graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Outside of pumps, her interests include gardening, estate sales, and attending live theater & concerts.
Leadership in Reliability & Operations
Kelly Tappa
Kelly Tappa is the eLearning Developer for ABB Automation Solutions Training. She has been with ABB for 8 years and has over 10 years of previous experience in manufacturing and project management. She is passionate about providing the best possible experience to customers and employees.
Leadership in Manufacturing
Barbara Austin
Barbara Austin is a Sr. Manufacturing Coordinator at Peerless Pump Co. I have been there for 36 years. Change is the pathway to growth. Each day takes on a new challenge and having a great team to learn and grow from is the key to my success and longevity with Peerless. Military and southern raised, after 46 years I call myself a native Texan and to secure the title I married a born and raised Texan. Combined we have five children and nine grandchildren. Nothing surpasses my time as being with family and my involvement in animal rescue.
Emerging Leader of the Year
Anika Chakravarti
Anika is originally from Harare, Zimbabwe. She is currently based in Houston, TX, where she works for Siemens Energy on the Decarbonization Innovation team, working mostly on Carbon Capture projects. She has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and is about to complete her M.S. in Biomimicry. She also recently completed the Biomimicry Professional Program. Outside of work and studies, Anika is involved in various projects in Zimbabwe, one related to rural women empowerment and plastic recycling, and another related to bio-inspired innovations for wildlife conservation. Earlier this year she was selected to be a National Geographic student expedition leader.
Empowering Woman of the Year
Jacquie Johnson
Jacquie Johnson is a remarkable leader at Alabama One, where she inspires growth and financial wellness. Jacquie embodies resilience and adaptability, tackling challenges with grace and determination. She is passionate about empowering women to achieve personal and professional success, translating complex financial concepts into actionable advice. Beyond her professional life, Jacquie balances her role as a devoted wife and mother of three, creating a joyful family environment. An author and business owner, her message of "No Regrets… Just Lessons Learned" encourages others to embrace life’s challenges. Guided by her strong faith, Jacquie’s leadership not only transforms lives but also fosters community growth, making her an incredible friend and role model.
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