We’re proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Advance: Women in Manufacturing Awards, recognizing exceptional leadership, impact, and contribution across Canada’s manufacturing sector.

Join us in person on May 6, 2026, in Toronto at the Advance: Women in Manufacturing Breakfast as we celebrate these leaders alongside peers from across the manufacturing community. Register by April 6 to take advantage of early bird pricing.

And the winners are…

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Carol Jiang, Founder and President, Beneco Packaging (Cobourg, Ont.; Packaging) Honourable Mention: Martine Simard Normandin, President and Founder, MuAnalysis (Ottawa; Electronics)

Leader of the Year Award

Winner: Bobbi Curran, VP, Honda of Canada Mfg. (Alliston, Ont.; Automotive) Honourable Mention: Shannon Lynch Colbourne, President and CEO, Cape Breton Beverages / Trans Atlantic Preforms / Nova Scotia Spirit Co. / Annapolis Cider Company (Atlantic Canada; Food)

Emerging Leader of the Year Award

Winner: Rimpy Bhullar, Sales and Marketing Director, Ronik Inc. / Garry Machine Mfg. Inc. (GTA; Printing) Honourable Mention: Tania Ferlin, Director, Sustainability Advocacy, Husky Technologies (Bolton, Ont.; Plastics)

Plant Manager of the Year Award

Winner: Erica Porter, Plant Manager, Ardent Mills (Saskatoon; Food) Honourable Mention: Irene Coyle Preto, General Manager, Kruger Kamloops Pulp Mill (Kamloops, B.C.; Pulp and Paper)

The event will feature meaningful networking, a keynote session, interactive discussions, and the formal presentation of the awards. Tickets are available for individuals, or you can reserve a table of six to attend with colleagues or clients.