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DENSO Employees Honored at 2026 STEP Ahead Awards

DENSO, a prominent player in the manufacturing industry, proudly announces that two of its employees have been recognized with prestigious honors at the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards. Amanda Dango, an emerging leader, and Bonita Montgomery, a renowned honoree, will be celebrated at an award ceremony scheduled for April 23 in Washington D.C. This recognition highlights their exceptional contributions to the manufacturing sector, underscoring the vital role of leadership and innovation in driving industry success.

Celebrating Leaders

Amanda Dango and Bonita Montgomery are part of a distinguished group of 145 leaders recognized by the Manufacturing Institute (MI), an organization dedicated to workforce development within the manufacturing arena. Each year, MI presents the STEP Ahead Awards to individuals categorized as Honorees, Emerging Leaders, and Champions, who demonstrate outstanding careers and leadership qualities.

Amanda Dango: Emerging Leader

Amanda Dango serves as the Engineering Manager at DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc. Her journey at DENSO began through a rotational leadership program, and over the past nine years, she has excelled in various roles spanning Production Engineering to Quality Assurance. Dango has garnered international experience, notably with an assignment in Japan, where she honed her technical expertise.

Notable among her achievements is her involvement in the $1 billion expansion of the DENSO campus in Maryville, Tennessee, where she played a pivotal role in launching automated production lines for advanced safety products. Currently, she drives strategic investments for new product lines while also mentoring emerging engineers. Dango is committed to community service, engaging with initiatives like United Way and Girls Inc., and representing DENSO at career fairs.

"I'm honored to be recognized alongside so many inspiring women who are making a difference in manufacturing," Dango expressed, acknowledging the invaluable support from her teams and mentors at DENSO. Her enthusiasm for leadership development and empowering others is a core aspect of her work, reflecting her dedication to strengthening the industry.

Bonita Montgomery: Honoree

Bonita Montgomery has dedicated over twenty years to DENSO, carving out a career rooted in purpose and resilience. Her diverse experience encompasses Product Design and Industrial Engineering, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of operational excellence. In her current role, Montgomery leads initiatives that enhance both production processes and the employee experience.

She has notably increased participation in quality competitions at the Athens, Tennessee site to unprecedented levels. With a focus on digital transformation, Montgomery works to improve data visibility and coaching effectiveness across teams. Her commitment to mentoring women and advocating for inclusion initiatives underscores her dedication to fostering a supportive workplace culture.

Montgomery shared her sentiments, stating, "This recognition is so meaningful to me, reflecting our collective commitment to people and the ongoing efforts of inspiring women to create impactful workplaces and communities."

DENSO's Leadership Perspective

The significance of leaders like Dango and Montgomery extends beyond their immediate work environments. Marty Deschenes, DENSO's North American Chief Manufacturing Officer, emphasized, "They lead with purpose, invest in others, and help build an environment where people can grow and contribute meaningfully."

About the STEP Ahead Awards

The STEP Ahead Awards form an integral part of the MI’s initiative to promote leadership and recognition within the manufacturing workforce. The gala, set for April 23, will shine a light on the accomplishments and stories of each award recipient, celebrating their leadership in the industry.

DENSO has a proud history of STEP Ahead award winners, with previous recipients including Denise Carlson, Monique Radersma, Hannah Pearl, Beth Rollins, and Cece Par.

If you're seeking a career with a leading manufacturer that prioritizes the development of diverse talent while shaping the future of mobility technology, consider exploring opportunities at densocareers.com.

About DENSO

DENSO, a global leader headquartered in Kariya, Japan, is valued at $47.9 billion and specializes in advanced technology and components for a wide range of vehicles. With approximately 180 facilities worldwide, DENSO is committed to providing rewarding career opportunities and advancing solutions in electrification, powertrain, and mobility electronics. The company engages about 158,000 employees, focusing on innovative research and development to enhance transportation safety and environmental sustainability. In North America, DENSO operates from Southfield, Michigan, employing over 23,000 team members across nearly 50 sites.

For further information on DENSO's global operations, visit DENSO Global.