2023 Annual Scholarship Fundraising Dinner

WOTM proudly invites your participation at the Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Event. Please join us for an evening of fellowship and fundraising. We are celebrating the 20th ANNIVERSARY with the theme Steel Toes & Stilettos while raising money for the WOTM scholarship funds. Plan for an evening with a delicious plated sit-down dinner and a chance to bid on amazing raffle baskets. You’ll also meet our keynote speakers, Shannon Karels & Kathy Miller, authors of the book Steel Toes and Stilettos: A True Story of Women Manufacturing Leaders and Lean Transformation Success.

About the Authors

Shannon Karels is a Sr. Operations Manager who has led multiple lean transformations and run operations for two large publicly traded corporations, across multiple industries and business models.  She started her career in supply chain management and progressed through lean and operations leadership roles.  Through this journey, Shannon has improved cultures in numerous manufacturing facilities by leading employee empowerment and engagement, and building highly successful teams, with a focus on business results.  Shannon is known for leading accountable organizations built on trusting relationships that improve the companies’ profitability and customer experience.  Shannon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management from Western Michigan University.

Kathy Miller is a Senior Operations Executive who has held numerous global vice president and director roles both in manufacturing and lean enterprise leadership.  Kathy is a Shingo Prize Recipient for Large Businesses as a Plant Manager.  She started her career in Operations as a 17- year-old co-op student at a vehicle assembly plant, and progressed through engineering, marketing, lean manufacturing and operations leadership roles, working for four large publicly traded corporations in executive roles.  Kathy is a transformational leader who consistently delivers impressive business results through team development, process discipline and continuous improvement.  Kathy is known for creation of inclusive cultures based on trust, respect, and accountability. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Kettering University (formerly GMI Engineering and Management Institute), a Master’s Degree of Business Administration from Ball State University, and a Master’s Degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.  Kathy was inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame in 2021.

Presenting Sponsor $3,000  – The presenting sponsors will receive (8) complimentary tickets, your company logo & recognition on the WOTM website, printed and digital material. Your company will have the opportunity to introduce the evening’s keynote speaker. If desired, representatives from your company can also help with the end-of-evening drawing announcements.

Elevating Sponsor $2,000  – This key sponsorship level includes (6) complimentary tickets, your company logo & recognition on the WOTM website, printed and emailed material. You’ll have the opportunity to welcome guests as they arrive.

Empowering Sponsor $1,500  – This sponsorship includes (4) complimentary tickets, your company logo & recognition on the WOTM website, marketing materials, and the opportunity to conclude the evening during closing remarks.

Improving $1000  – This sponsorship level includes two complimentary tickets, your company logo & recognition on the WOTM website, and marketing materials.

Supporting $500  – This sponsorship level includes one complimentary ticket, your company logo & recognition on the WOTM website, and marketing materials.

Raffle Basket Donations

We are accepting raffle basket donations. Contact Patti Lawrence at 815-871-2248 or email [email protected] if you are interested in donating to the raffle—100% of the net proceeds from this event are distributed to WOTM Scholarships and to sponsoring regional robotics teams. 

Thank You Sponsors!