“As a believer in hard work and setting a solid example, Michelle has worked her way up in plant management through a passion for learning new skills, while earning respect and appreciation from her HWI team and customers. She’s demonstrated leadership as a plant manager by being committed to quality, continuous improvement, and supporting others,” said Ross Wilkin, Senior Vice President of the Americas region for Calderys Group. 

Michelle Fields is a dynamic leader in the refractories industry with over 20 years of experience in steelmaking operations. Holding a degree in metallurgical engineering from Michigan Technological University, she advanced through various roles at United States Steel Corporation, ultimately serving as Primary Plant Manager at Gary Works overseeing 200+ managers and 2,000+ employees, before joining HarbisonWalker International (HWI) in 2016 as Plant Manager of the Gary Ladle Works facility, where she drives operational excellence, team success, and improvements in ladle life and efficiencies for key customer U.S. Steel Corp.

Michelle will be honored at the annual STEP Ahead Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2026. 

The STEP Ahead Awards are a key component of the MI’s STEP Ahead initiative, a leading program in the United States dedicated to supporting the manufacturing workforce through leadership development and recognition. 

The STEP Ahead Awards shine a spotlight on the people powering manufacturing success, those whose leadership, expertise, and commitment to others are building stronger workplaces and communities. As manufacturers work to attract, retain, and advance talent in a rapidly evolving industry, programs like STEP Ahead play a critical role in elevating role models and demonstrating what leadership in manufacturing looks like today. 

“Manufacturing’s future depends on leaders who develop talent, strengthen teams, and drive results by building strong workplace cultures,” said Lexi Champion, National Director of STEP Ahead. “The STEP Ahead Awards recognize and celebrate those making that impact every day in their workplaces and communities, and whose leadership helps the next generation see a place for themselves in manufacturing.”

These prestigious annual awards recognize employees across the United States who have excelled in their careers and showcase leadership across all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.