July 15, 2026 - Forged in Illinois: Honoring the Women Who Helped Shape Manufacturing

Description

On July 15, join the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and M&M Quality Grinding for Forged in Illinois, an event recognizing the women whose leadership, impact, and dedication helped shape manufacturing in Illinois — and the scholarships created to carry their legacies forward. This special event honors three remarkable women connected to the IMA community whose influence continues to inspire future generations of leaders, innovators, and manufacturers.

The families of former IMA Chairwoman Janice Christiansen, former President & CEO of FlagSource/J.C. Schultz Enterprises, and former IMA Board Member Lynne Mohr, former President of Brite-O-Matic Manufacturing Inc., established scholarships in their honor to continue investing in the future of Illinois manufacturing and supporting the next generation of industry leaders. The event will also recognize the Mama Susie Scholarship for Advancing Immigrant Women in Manufacturing, established by current IMA Board Member Aneesa Muthana, CEO and Co-Owner of Pioneer Service and M&M Quality Grinding, in honor of her mother. 

The scholarship supports immigrant women working in manufacturing as they pursue higher education and celebrates the resilience, determination, and hard work that continue to strengthen the manufacturing industry and local communities.

Proposed Agenda:

9:00–9:30 AM: Check-in 

9:30–10:30 AM: Legacy Lessons: Learning from the Families Behind Manufacturing Scholarships Panel Discussion

10:30 AM: Scholarship Award Ceremony

11:00-11:30AM: Group photo, networking and facility tour