IACMI – The Composites Institute has named the inaugural winners of its Rising Star Awards, recognising emerging talent from across the US already making a significant impact on the manufacturing industry.
The awards celebrate manufacturing professionals aged between 18 and 35 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential, innovation and measurable contributions within their organisations.
This year’s winners are:
- Alonzo Bullman, Trenton Forging Company, Michigan
- Julian Espinoza, Gretna Machine Shop, Texas
- Nick Knotts, The Lawton Standard Co., Michigan
- Samantha Melnick, SKF USA, New York
- Jake Carney, Trenton Forging Company, Michigan
Five additional professionals received honourable mentions: Daniel Levine (IsoTruss, Utah), Farbod Moghaddam (Sense Manufacturing, Washington, D.C.), Matthew Sausen (Endeavor Composites, Tennessee), Daniel Stewart (Finkl Steel, Illinois) and Kevin Vazquez (Pyka, California).
Each winner was nominated anonymously by a workplace supervisor and selected based on their contributions to their field, problem-solving ability, innovation, motivation and leadership potential.
The inaugural class of the Rising Star Awards exemplifies modern manufacturing skills, an eagerness to learn and the ambition to make a measurable impact.
Manufacturing’s future begins with retaining the great up-and-coming talent already working in the industry. These awards were created to highlight these individuals and motivate them as they continue to advance and shape their careers.
Justin Brooks, deputy director of workforce development at IACMI
Over the coming months, IACMI will profile each of the winners across its social media channels, highlighting their achievements and career journeys to showcase opportunities within modern manufacturing.
The Rising Star Awards form part of IACMI’s wider workforce development strategy, which includes initiatives such as America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) and Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning (METAL). Working with industry, education providers and government partners, the programmes aim to strengthen the future manufacturing workforce by expanding awareness of manufacturing careers and developing the next generation of skilled talent.
