Par, an operations manager in Battle Creek, Michigan, and 129 others to be honored during an April 24 ceremony in Washington D.C.
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 7, 2025 -- The Manufacturing Institute (MI) – the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers – has recognized Cece Par of DENSO as a 2025 Women MAKE Awards Honoree. Par is among 130 women across the U.S. to receive a Women MAKE Award. Each year, the MI presents the awards in Honoree and Emerging Leader categories to women representing all levels of the manufacturing industry who excel in their careers and demonstrate leadership.
Originally from Burma, Par joined DENSO in 2012 as a temporary associate with limited English proficiency. Since then, she has grown her skills, optimized company production processes, fostered community in the workplace and with neighbors, and risen through the ranks to operations manager at DENSO's thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Par's accomplishments have included improving production efficiency and reducing wastewater in manufacturing, helping increase the location's sustainability. She has also co-led the Battle Creek facility's Burmese-speaking production line, created to help provide career opportunities to the sizable Burmese community in southwest Michigan, and is active in initiatives that support local Burmese families and groups.
"I'm so grateful to be included among these inspiring award winners," said Par. "While this is an honor, I also recognize there are many other women who help make DENSO and the manufacturing industry what it is today. Working with organizations like the Manufacturing Institute, I look forward to continuing to do my part in mentoring future women leaders."
The Women MAKE Awards are a key component of the MI's Women MAKE America initiative, the country's leading program dedicated to supporting and empowering women in manufacturing.
On April 24, the MI will recognize the recipients at the Women MAKE Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., where it will highlight the story of each Honoree and Emerging Leader, including examples of their leadership and contributions to the industry.
"Each year, we celebrate the phenomenal women who are not only leaders in manufacturing but also dedicated colleagues, mentors, and vital members of their communities," said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. "Their achievements highlight the limitless opportunities in our industry and serve as powerful inspiration for the next generation. By recognizing these extraordinary role models through the Women MAKE Awards, we are strengthening the future of the industry and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps."
Before the gala, award winners will also have access to a two-day leadership development conference, providing opportunities to grow their professional networks and further hone their skills. Since its launch in 2012, the awards program has recognized more than 1,700 Honorees and Emerging Leaders.
"You'll often hear from our team members that Cece 'makes us shine,'" said Todd Greer, a vice president of manufacturing at DENSO's Battle Creek facility. "Whether it's with her production improvements or how she brings together team members of all backgrounds, there is no doubt that her contributions are felt not only in our operations but also in the community. We appreciate all she does."
Previous DENSO winners of the Women MAKE Awards, formerly known as the STEP Ahead Awards, include Denise Carlson in 2021, Monique Radersma in 2022, Hannah Pearl in 2023 and Beth Rollins in 2024.
If interested in working at a leading manufacturer committed to elevating team members of all backgrounds while developing the mobility technology of tomorrow, visit densocareers.com.
About DENSO
Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO is a $47.9 billion leading mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO invests in around 200 facilities worldwide to produce cutting-edge electrification, powertrain, thermal and mobility electronics products, among others, that change how the world moves. In developing such solutions, the company's 165,000 global employees pursue rewarding careers while paving the way to a mobility future that improves lives, eliminates traffic accidents and preserves the environment. DENSO spent around 9.0 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. For more information about DENSO's operations worldwide, visit https://www.denso.com/global.
In North America, DENSO is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs 27,000+ engineers, researchers, and skilled workers across nearly 50 sites in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. In the United States alone, DENSO employs 17,500+ employees across 14 states (and the District of Columbia) at 41 sites. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, DENSO in North America generated $11.3 billion in consolidated sales. DENSO is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion inside the company and beyond – a principle that brings together unique perspectives, bolsters innovation and pushes DENSO forward. To learn more about DENSO operations in the region and to review current career opportunities, please visit https://www.denso.com/us-ca/en/.
About The Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute builds and strengthens the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow. Through implementing groundbreaking programs, convening industry leaders and conducting innovative research, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.
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