WASHINGTON (April 23, 2024) – On April 18, three Toyota manufacturing leaders received national recognition at the Women MAKE Awards in Washington, D.C. The honorees were among 130 outstanding women leaders recognized by the Manufacturing Institute for delivering leadership in the industry and making contributions to the communities in which they live.

The MAKE Awards (formerly known as the STEP Ahead Awards) recognize women game-changers and identify top talent in manufacturing, and further encourage award winners to mentor and support the next generation of female talent to pursue modern manufacturing careers.

“There has never been a better time for young women to pursue opportunities in modern manufacturing,” said Toyota Senior Vice President of Electric Vehicle Supply and incoming Women MAKE Awards Vice Chair Susan Elkington. “As a previous Honoree, I know the power of this program to motivate and mentor the next generation, and I am excited to continue to be part of this initiative highlighting the amazing Women who MAKE America.”

Toyota Honorees:

Kristen Tabar, group vice president, Research and Development Toyota Motor North America (TMNA)
With more than 30 years of experience in the auto industry, Tabar is a trailblazer in TMNA R&D, currently leading mobility solutions. Name a role in automotive electronics, and Tabar has likely filled it. She’s also steered process and design enhancements and led the corporate quality division for Toyota’s North American operations.

Natalie Wilkinson, vice president, Manufacturing Production Innovation Center, TMNA
As a female trailblazer in Toyota production engineering, Wilkinson is a transformative leader at TMNA. She’s held key roles in plant production and regional headquarters, overseeing the automotive manufacturing revolution. Leading the cross-functional manufacturing production innovation center and the manufacturing digital transformation team, she employs innovative strategies and technologies, steering Toyota toward competitiveness, electrification and carbon neutrality.

Toyota Emerging Leaders:

Patricia Pastrana Arroyo, pilot engineer, Toyota Indiana (Emerging Leader Award)
Arroyo’s reputation as a motivated engineer with skills for setting up systems and training teams at Toyota Indiana is well-founded. During her time as the plastics division principal leader, she trained 55 team members while implementing numerous kaizens and a paint-jig improvement, increasing efficiency and quality while significantly reducing costs for two model launches.

Each year, the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, recognizes women in the science, technology, engineering and production areas of the manufacturing industry who exemplify leadership and excellence in their careers.