In the world of manufacturing and production, few stories resonate more for women breaking into engineering and process roles than that of Amanda Hodges. As a Process Engineer at BASF’s Chattanooga, Tennessee site, Amanda has been recognized as a 2020 STEP Ahead Emerging Leader, a distinction awarded by the Manufacturing Institute to women who show exceptional leadership and technical contributions.
Her path reflects determination, skill, and a commitment to improvement—not only in processes and operations, but also in enabling others to grow. Below is a closer look at her work and three lessons she offers to all women in manufacturing and production.
Her Work & Contributions
- Lean Six Sigma & Process Improvement
At BASF, Amanda leads Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiatives at her facility. She has completed multiple Yellow Belt and Green Belt projects, tackling challenges such as chemical migration studies related to food-contact safety and addressing corrosion in reactor jackets.
Through these efforts, she has helped BASF save over $2 million in operations in a single year. - Safety, Environmental & Health Leadership
Beyond cost and efficiency, Amanda applies Lean tools to reinforce safety and minimize incidents, often participating in accident investigations and designing improvements. - Mentoring & STEM Outreach
Amanda is a vocal advocate for women and girls in STEM. She participates in STEM Days, volunteers with Kids’ Lab programs, and mentors engineering students at her alma mater, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
She often tells early-career women: “Give manufacturing a try… you’ll be surprised by what you can create and how much you can impact your community.”
Lessons for Women in Manufacturing & Production
From Amanda Hodges’ journey, here are core lessons to empower women who are building careers in manufacturing and production:
1. Let Process Improvement Be Your Launchpad
Amanda’s expertise in Lean Six Sigma allowed her to create measurable impact—cost savings, safer operations, and better efficiency. In a manufacturing environment, mastering process improvement tools gives you visibility and credibility.
For aspiring women: consider starting with Yellow Belt or Green Belt courses. Use small projects in your facility to apply what you learn, track results, and share the impact.
2. Balance Efficiency with Safety & Integrity
Improvement isn’t just about cost or speed—it’s about doing work better and safer. Amanda’s approach bridges both: using Lean tools to prevent waste and to prevent incidents.
For you: whenever you propose process changes, always include safety, environmental, and ethical considerations. That makes your recommendations stronger and more trusted.
3. Be Visible & Mentor Others
Amanda doesn’t just work behind the scenes—she shows up in her community, mentors students, and shares her story. Her visibility helps break stereotypes and invites more women into manufacturing.
For women building careers: volunteer, speak, mentor, or share your wins. When you lead by example, you open the door for someone else who might be just starting.
Final Thought
Amanda Hodges is proof that in manufacturing, ideas become reality—and that women play a vital role in that transformation. Her work reminds us that leadership is both technical and relational: demanding deep knowledge of systems, and a heart for lifting others.
For women in manufacturing and production: approach each challenge with curiosity, lean into improvement, and don’t shy from using your voice. The industry needs your ideas, your energy, and your leadership.
WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION 
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