Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Announces Scholarship Winners
Awards Will Support Students Pursuing Careers in STEM and Manufacturing
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has named the winners of several scholarship award programs designed to support students pursuing careers in STEM and manufacturing, with the goal of inspiring future generations of leaders and innovators.
The scholarships honor leaders who have made a lasting impact on the state’s manufacturing industry, which anchors our economy and drives scientific and technological breakthroughs that better our world. The awards are administered by the IMA Education Foundation, which works with employers, educators, and lawmakers to enact policies that help attract, retain, and grow a skilled workforce.
“Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners, who represent the bright future of manufacturing in Illinois,”
said Sarah Hartwick, Senior Vice President and Corporate Board Secretary of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We hope they will take inspiration from the incredible leaders for whom these scholarships are named and wish them the best of luck as they forge rewarding careers in the manufacturing industry and work to pursue their dreams.”
Janice M. Christiansen Female in STEM and Female in Business Scholarship
Named after former IMA Chairwoman Janice Christiansen, who served as the President & CEO of FlagSource/J.C. Schultz Enterprises, the scholarships include an award of $3,750 each to two Illinois women pursuing degrees in STEM and Business at an Illinois institution of higher education. The winners are:
Nia Autman: Autman is a researcher who is passionate about environmental health, public health, laboratory safety, sustainability, and scientific consulting. She graduated from Joliet West High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Northern Illinois University. She is working towards a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Emma Valencia: Valencia is a graduate of Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills. She is studying to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance and management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Lynne Mohr Endowment for Skilled Trade Students Scholarship
Created in honor of former IMA Board Member and President of Brite-O-Matic Manufacturing Inc., Lynne Mohr, the scholarship provides a one-time, unrestricted award to Illinois community college students pursuing careers in the skilled trades with a focus on manufacturing. The winners are:
Grady Jones: A graduate of Cumberland High School, Jones developed a keen interest in welding while attending shop classes in high school. He is currently enrolled at Shawnee Community College where he plans to achieve his goals in the welding and HVAC profession. Jones will receive a $1,000 award.
Makensie Hanus: Hanus graduated from Cary-Grove High School in May 2023. She is enrolled at McHenry County College, studying to earn an Associate’s degree in Welding and Fabrication. Hanus will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Jim Nelson Scholarship for High School Innovators
The Jim Nelson Scholarship for High School Innovators recognizes Jim Nelson, the IMA’s former Vice President of Education and Workforce Development and head of the IMA Education Foundation, who retired in 2020 after nearly two decades of service to manufacturers. The scholarship provides a $1,000 award to a winner of the Celebrating High School Innovators (CHSI) program. The winner is:
Noah Wrodarczyk: A 2026 graduate of Naperville North High School and co-inventor of the Roam Link luggage strap, Wrodarczyk was a member of one of the top five teams in the Celebrating High School Innovators (CHSI) 2022 Final Competition. He plans to attend the College of DuPage to earn a degree in business/entrepreneurship.
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, this scholarship supports immigrant women in Illinois who are building careers in the manufacturing industry. It provides $5,000 award to a female Illinois resident who identifies as an immigrant, is currently enrolled in an Illinois institution of higher education and is working at an Illinois manufacturing facility. The winner is:
Ruth Tilahun: An economics student at Wheaton College with interests in finance, economic policy, and community development, Tilahun is an international student from Ethiopia, who is interested in how economic systems shape businesses, communities and public policy.
