Koppers employees recognized with STEP Ahead awards
Koppers announced that two of its female leaders are being recognized by the Manufacturing Institute with 2022 STEP Ahead Awards.
Focused on science, technology, engineering, and production (STEP), the annual awards celebrate women from across all levels of the manufacturing industry demonstrating excellence and leadership in their careers.
Min Kuang, senior research scientist in Griffin, Ga., will be recognized as a STEP Ahead Honoree for achievements that have made a significant impact on the manufacturing industry.
Amber Leech, customer support specialist in Harmarville, Pa., will be recognized as a STEP Ahead Emerging Leader for excelling early in her career.
The two Koppers employees will join a select number of fellow honorees from around the country at an awards ceremony in April.
“Min and Amber are great examples of the hardworking, innovative, and empathetic leaders at Koppers who are going above and beyond, both in the workplace and in their communities,” said Koppers president and CEO Leroy Ball. “The fact that their impact is being celebrated in this way only adds to our pride in them and our appreciation for all they do for our customers, our communities, and our stakeholders. On behalf of the entire Koppers team, we send our sincere congratulations to Min and Amber on this well-deserved accomplishment.”
“The 2022 STEP Ahead Honorees and Emerging Leader awardees are excellent representatives of the exciting opportunities available in manufacturing,” said Denise Rutherford, 2022 STEP Ahead chair. “These remarkable women and the leadership they show help inspire the next generation of female leaders to consider careers in manufacturing.”
Leech joined Koppers full-time in 2019 following a two-year internship with the company. Kuang joined Koppers in 2016 and has led the development of highly profitable and innovative products such as a water repellent for treated lumber and utility poles.
A full listing of the 2022 STEP Ahead award winners is available here.