Perrysburg, Ohio, March 9, 2026 — The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—has announced that Nicole Lopez, Director, Global Sustainability Reporting & Insurance Risk at O-I Glass, Inc., is being recognized as a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards honoree for her exceptional leadership and contributions to manufacturing and her community.
Lopez has spent more than 20 years driving strategic leadership, operational excellence, and people-centered progress at O-I. While much of her work is focused on cross-functional collaboration and regulatory readiness, Lopez has also shaped O-I’s culture through her work in social engagement and as a cofounder of the Global Women’s Engagement Network, creating meaningful spaces for connection, mentorship, and inclusion. Her career reflects a purpose-driven commitment to empowering others, building community, and elevating voices—especially those of women—across the organization and beyond.
“What drives me is seeing the incredible potential in the women around me and helping them recognize it in themselves,” said Lopez. “When women feel supported and confident in their voice, they strengthen entire teams, families, and communities. I want to see a future where every woman in our industry feels she belongs, is encouraged to lead, and knows she never needs to shrink to make space for others.”
Lopez and other honorees will be recognized at the annual STEP Ahead Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2026.
The Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Ahead initiative is dedicated to supporting the manufacturing workforce through leadership development and recognition. The program’s annual awards shine a spotlight on the people powering manufacturing success, those whose leadership, expertise, and commitment to others are building stronger workplaces and communities. As manufacturers work to attract, retain, and advance talent in a rapidly evolving industry, programs like STEP Ahead play a critical role in elevating role models and demonstrating what leadership in manufacturing looks like today.
“Manufacturing’s future depends on leaders who develop talent, strengthen teams and drive results by building strong workplace cultures,” said Lexi Champion, National Director of STEP Ahead. “The STEP Ahead Awards recognize and celebrate those making that impact every day in their workplaces and communities, and whose leadership helps the next generation see a place for themselves in manufacturing.”
“This recognition is meaningful to me because it reflects the kind of leadership I believe manufacturing needs,” said Lopez. “Leadership grows when we build trust, show compassion, and encourage people to contribute in ways that reflect their strengths and values. When we empower people to lead authentically, our workplaces become stronger, safer, and more innovative. I hope my journey encourages others to lead with heart and to lift others as they grow.”
ABOUT O-I GLASS
At O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE: OI), we love glass, and we are proud to be one of the leading producers of glass bottles and jars around the globe. Glass is not only beautiful, it is also pure, healthy, and completely recyclable, making it the most sustainable rigid packaging material. Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio (USA), O-I is the preferred partner for many of the world’s leading food and beverage brands. We innovate in line with customers’ needs to create iconic packaging that builds brands around the world. Led by our diverse team of approximately 19,000 people across 64 plants in 18 countries, O-I achieved revenues of $6.4 billion in 2025. Learn more about us: o-i.com / Instagram / LinkedIn
ABOUT THE MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE
The Manufacturing Institute works to build and strengthen the manufacturing workforce for today and tomorrow to create a workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. This is done through implementing groundbreaking initiatives, convening industry leaders, conducting innovative research and promoting public policy that supports the sector as it meets the opportunity of modern manufacturing. Through this work, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry. For more information, please visit: https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/
