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Women in Industry Woman of the Year Award 

Women’s Summit

Join women and men throughout the industry for an empowering, action-driven event designed to equip you with the tools, confidence, and connections to accelerate your impact - both at work and in life!

 
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Women in Industry Woman of the Year Award 

The Women in Industry Division’s Woman of the Year award recognizes women who have demonstrated excellence in leading, motivating, and developing others within the pulp, paper, tissue, packaging and supporting industries. She has had an impact on those around her and has motivated and developed others around her.

Nominees should have demonstrated the following qualities: 

LEADERSHIP:  Has demonstrated excellent leadership skills within their company, community and/or volunteer activities. Leading by example.

IMPACT:  Has had a visible and/or tangible impact on fellow employees, whether subordinates or others within their company, through actions or activities.

DEVELOPING OTHERS:  Has been dedicated to mentoring within or outside of her company, provided support for rising professionals, and been actively engaged in career coaching.

PRESENCE:  Possesses visibility within their organization or field, demonstrates high integrity in actions and words, and portrays an image of strength and confidence that inspires. 

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, EQUITY: Nominee actively fosters a diverse and inclusive environment in all that they do.

Requirements for Selection:
An individual employed in the pulp, paper, board, tissue or supporting industry. While encouraged, nominees do not have to be TAPPI members.

 

Submission Deadline:
The nomination form must be submitted by December 18th.

Selection and Presentation:
The Women of the Year is selected by the Women in Industry Executive Council and the Women in Industry Celebrating Women Leaders Subcommittee. The awardee will be named in late winter of the following year with the award presented at TAPPICon.

2026 Woman of the Year Winner

TAPPI is pleased to announce Nancy Plowman Sandreuter as Woman of the Year selected by the Women in Industry Executive Council and the Women in Industry Celebrating Women Leaders Subcommittee.

Learn More

 

Past Honorees:

2026 Nancy Plowman Sandreuter, Nancy Plowman Associates, Inc.

2025 Margaret Gorog, Houghton Cascade Holdings and Heather Jennings, Huma Inc.
2024 Maja Mejsner, Director, Paper Process Parts Technology Unit, Valmet
2023 Beth Cormier, Sappi NA and Jennifer Piercy, North Carolina State University
2022 Deanna L. Duram, PE, Trinity Consultants
2021 Paula Hajakian, USG
2020 Adele Elice-Invaso, APPITA
2019 Kathy Buckman Gibson, Buckman
2018 Nickie Parker, WestRock
2017 Nicki Slusser, Jackson Paper Manufacturing Company

 

Please visit TAPPI’s Awards and Scholarships to submit your nomination today!

 

2026 Leadership and Services Award

TAPPI is pleased to announce Amanda Kernan as the Women in Industry Division's Service and Leadership Award selected by the Women in Industry Executive Council and the Women in Industry Celebrating Women Leaders Subcommittee.

 

The Division Leadership and Service Award

The Division Leadership and Service Award is intended to recognize an individual for outstanding leadership and exceptional service to the Women in Industry Division which have resulted in significant and demonstrable benefits to the Division's members.

 

2026 Amanda Kernan, Adhesives Research, Inc.

2025 Breanna Van Nuland, Amcor
2024 Pamela Cowan, Pulmac Systems International Inc
2023 Sarah Loner, Solenis
2022 Paula Hajakian, USG
2021 Maja Mejsner, Valmet
2018 Heather B. Jennings, Probiotic Solutions