In this photo: Elena Rodriguez is doing what she does best...running her Swiss Machine.

June 11, 2019 "How Manufacturing Education Will Transform The Industry" - Aneesa Muthana

On October 5, 2017, Lt. Governor Sanguinetti visited Pioneer Service to see manufacturing operations, hear the Pioneer story, and collect ideas on reaching more youth for STEM careers like manufacturing. 

Photo (from left to right):

Tiernan Murrell, Co-Director for SparkShop
Steve Brezwyn, V.P. Operations, Pioneer Service
Aneesa Muthana, President & Co-Owner, Pioneer Service
Eric Smith, Director of Sales, Pioneer Service
Lt. Governor of Illinois, Evelyn Sanguinetti
Mayor of Addison, Rich Veenstra
Rose of Sharon DeVos, Business Development Manager, Pioneer Service
James Rewis, Quality Manager, Pioneer Service

In her visit, the Lt. Governor expressed genuine interest in our industry and enthusiasm for engaging more of Illinois' youth in STEM programs boost career opportunities. After a plant tour, Tiernan Murell shared the vision for www.SparkShop.org and was invited to present further to the Rural Affairs Counsel about the program that "sparks" interest in STEM careers in elementary school.

Addison Mayor Rich Veenstra discussed local initiatives to boost manufacturing's image, and had his team create video footage of the visit for inclusion in video production on the subject. It was a great example of local and state government working with small businesses to make a difference in communities!

September 29, 2017 The Breaking Boundaries, a "Career Exploration Series" provided women looking for career opportunities with unique insights into the lives of successful women in non-traditional careers.

September 19, 2017 SparkShop directors Shonali Ditz and Tiernan Murrell, along with Ted Ganchiff, founder of the Science & Entrepreneurship Exchange (SEE) presented the SparkShop STEM program to politicians, educators and manufacturing association representatives.

July 10, 2017 Congressman Randy Hultgren (left) moderates a panel of female business professionals in STEM career fields at the STEM Scholars Graduation.

May 25, 2017 - A small, but powerful group of female manufacturing "thought leaders" from the Technology and Manufacturing Association met with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti before her commencement speech for the TMA Related Theory class.

The Manufacturing Institute Will Honor Aneesa Muthana, President and Owner at Pioneer Service Inc.

Addison, IL March 1, 2017: The Manufacturing Institute announced they will award Aneesa Muthana, President
and Owner of Pioneer Service Inc., with the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Production) Ahead Award. The STEP Ahead Awards honors women who have demonstrated excellence and
leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C-suite. 

"I am honored to receive this award." said Aneesa. "Manufacturers are makers, and women have been underrepresented in this industry for too long. The process of bringing people together to MAKE something that will go on to serve a bigger purpose is where my passion lies. Knowing that the parts that leave my shop are contributing to the world at large, touching lives and benefiting people fuels my passion."

“These women exemplify the path an exciting career in manufacturing can take,” said Heidi Alderman, 2017 Chair
of STEP Ahead and Senior Vice President of Intermediates North America, BASF Corporation. "STEP Ahead
recognizes women nationwide for their significant achievements to the field of manufacturing, and the positive
impact on their companies and the industry as a whole."

The STEP Ahead Awards are part of the larger STEP Ahead initiative, launched to examine and promote the role of
women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research, and leadership for attracting, advancing, and
retaining strong female talent.

A recent survey from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute found that six out of ten open skilled production
positions are unfilled due to the talent shortage. Closing the skills gap means closing the gender gap.
On April 20, The Manufacturing Institute will recognize 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards at a reception in
Washington, D.C. The STEP Ahead Awards program will highlight each honoree’s story, including their leadership
and accomplishments in manufacturing.