IACMI–The Composites Institute has announced the five winners and five honorable mentions of its inaugural Rising Star Awards, a nationwide composites and manufacturing recognition program. Launched on June 11, 2026, the initiative identifies emerging talent across eight U.S. states. These professionals work in engineering, forging, machining, metallurgy, and smart manufacturing.
Recognition Built for Modern Manufacturing Talent
The Rising Star Awards target professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 who deliver measurable impact and leadership potential. Each nominee was submitted anonymously by a workplace supervisor, ensuring recognition reflects genuine on-the-floor contributions rather than self-promotion.
Selection criteria include significant field contributions, innovation or problem-solving impact, inner motivation, and leadership potential. The program reflects IACMI's strategy to retain high-performing early-career professionals and increase visibility for composites industry careers. Follow developments like this in the Info Center on textilezon.com.
Meet the 2026 Rising Star Award Winners
Five professionals earned the 2026 Rising Star Award, representing companies across Michigan, Texas, and New York. Each was selected for outstanding contributions to the composites and advanced manufacturing industries:
- Alonzo Bullman – Trenton Forging Company, Trenton, Michigan
- Julian Espinoza – Gretna Machine Shop, Houston, Texas
- Nick Knotts – The Lawton Standard Co., Novi, Michigan
- Samantha Melnick – SKF USA, Falconer, New York
- Jake Carney – Trenton Forging Company, Trenton, Michigan
Five additional professionals received honorable mention recognition, spanning Utah, Washington D.C., Tennessee, Illinois, and California. Their nominations reflect the broad national reach of composites manufacturing talent:
- Daniel Levine – IsoTruss, Inc., Springville, Utah
- Farbod Moghaddam – Sense Manufacturing Inc., Washington, D.C.
- Matthew Sausen – Endeavor Composites, Inc., Knoxville, Tennessee
- Daniel Stewart – Finkl Steel, Chicago, Illinois
- Kevin Vazquez – Pyka Inc., Alameda, California
IACMI's Workforce Programs Shape the Industry's Future
Justin Brooks, IACMI's deputy director of workforce development, emphasized the award's strategic importance. "Manufacturing's future begins with retaining the great up-and-coming talent already working in the industry," Brooks stated. "IACMI is proud to celebrate these winners and acknowledge the significant influence they've already achieved."
IACMI supports talent development through programs including America's Cutting Edge (ACE) and Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning (METAL). These initiatives connect industry partners, educators, and government agencies to expand manufacturing career awareness and provide structured training opportunities.
For the remainder of 2026, IACMI will publish spotlight features on each winner across its social media channels. These posts will detail each professional's role and key achievements, increasing composites career visibility on a national scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the IACMI Rising Star Award?
Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old and anonymously nominated by a workplace supervisor. They must demonstrate measurable field contributions, innovation or problem-solving impact, inner motivation, and leadership potential.
Which industry segments does the Rising Star Award cover?
The award spans composites, engineering, forging, machining, metallurgy, and smart manufacturing. These fields reflect the technical breadth of the advanced manufacturing sector.
How will IACMI promote the 2026 winners going forward?
IACMI will feature each winner in individual spotlight posts across its social media channels through the end of 2026. Each post will highlight nomination details and career milestones for the featured professional.
The inaugural Rising Star Awards establish a replicable model for workforce recognition in the composites and advanced manufacturing industries, reinforcing IACMI's role as a national leader in manufacturing talent development.
