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

The future is bright for these young women/future industry leaders. Pioneer Service is one of few companies now stepping up to host regular career outreach to cultivate and inspire young talent.

This May, Crain’s Chicago Business devoted their front page to women in manufacturing and Aneesa Muthana, President of Pioneer Service.

It is no secret that pay and labor gaps exist.  The big question is, how do you break them down? Answer - Making a change!  Pioneer Service led by Aneesa Muthana does just that.  With the continued shortage in the skilled labor market Muthana and team are on the road showcasing careers that most young people have never heard about.  She expands her search into relatively untapped markets, as well as giving women inroads into an industry traditionally dominated by men.  With a positive attitude and perseverance Muthana explains, “As more women enter the industry both gaps will soon be history”.

Pioneer Service continues to expand outreach programs to young girls with the potential to become difference-makers in manufacturing. While our industry needs women so it can continue to grow, Muthana emphasizes, “the need for working partnerships between men and women will only strengthen our industry”.

On October 4, 2017 and October 6, 2017 Pioneer Service hosted high school students for a tour and presentation on manufacturing careers. In all, 91 students were able to come! Students from Reavis High School, Oak Lawn High School and Addison Trail High School saw first-hand how machined parts are made on advanced CNC Swiss machines with production manager Bob Anderson, as well how they are checked with vision inspection systems. A third of their time was spent addressing perceptions vs. reality in manufacturing and how they might find their own passion in unconventional places. Rose of Sharon DeVos presented the myths, her own story of joining the industry, Pioneer Service's story and encouraged students to be intentional in writing their own life and career stories.

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.

Manufacturers have job openings and great career paths. Women account for only 27% of the manufacturing workforce. The Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Ahead awards are designed to inspire women to bridge the gap.On April 20, 2017, at the Ronald Regan Building in Washington, D.C., the Manufacturing Institute honored 100 Honorees and 30 Emerging Leaders with the STEP Ahead Award. Aneesa Muthana, President and Owner of Pioneer Service Inc., took her place among other leaders from across the country who have set examples for women in a field dominated by men.

Women have been making significant contributions to manufacturing in the United States for generations, but still only comprise 27% of the manufacturing workforce. Ms. Muthana, who started her career as a pre-teen in her parents grinding shop, embraced the opportunity to run her own manufacturing company in her early 20’s. Since then, her vision and passion have made a difference in the lives of employees, customers, suppliers, her family and a large network of friends. She is always “paying it forward” by helping young people envision a brighter future for themselves by considering manufacturing as a path to success. 

One of the original "Rosie the Riveters", Anna Hess, shared her story of hard work, patriotism, and passion in her own manufacturing career that began in 1940 and paved the way for women in the industry.

"We are makers. The process of bringing people together to MAKE something that will go on to serve a greater purpose fuels my passion and fills my days." Aneesa Muthana, President & Owner of Pioneer Service Inc. 

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.