NVCC nominated Lenoce for the honor in October as part of its Manufacturing Month celebration. “I’m learning even more on the job now, but the courses Naugatuck Valley offered me gave me a head start on developing the skills I now use every day,” said Lenoce.

In their fourth year, the STEP Ahead Awards recognize women in manufacturing who exemplify leadership within their companies. This year, the Manufacturing Institute is honoring 30 Emerging Leaders.

NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., visited Hannah at the Marion Manufacturing Company to congratulate her on the award and tour the company. “Hannah’s work ethic, her commitment, intellectual curiosity, and eagerness to learn and to contribute exemplifies the best of NVCC students. I congratulate and honor her as the future of tomorrow’s workforce. Connecticut has much to look forward to and must educate a diverse workforce where women assume their role and contribute to the growth of the manufacturing industry,” said President De Filippis.

Marion Manufacturing Company President, Doug Johnson said, “We are very proud of Hannah and what she has accomplished since graduating from the Advanced Manufacturing program at NVCC. She has accomplished far more than we expected and continues to excel in her position as a tool and die apprentice at Marion. She is a wonderful young lady and everyone here at Marion is excited to see her win this award and we look forward to her continued success.”

Hannah is a graduate of the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Naugatuck Valley Community College, which opened in 2012 and has since placed over one hundred twenty five manufacturing graduates into local manufacturing companies in the 22 town service area.  President De Filippis said the College is very proud of this program.