The Manufacturing Institute has recognized MaryBeth Tran, site leader at the Owens Corning Roofing plant in Compton, Calif., with a 2026 Step Ahead Award. Tran is one of only 100 industry professionals across the country selected for this honor. 

The STEP Ahead Awards recognize women and allies in manufacturing whose leadership and mentorship extend across their companies, communities, and the industry at large. This national honor identifies top talent in the manufacturing industry and further encourages award recipients to support and develop the next generation of female talent to pursue manufacturing as a purpose-driven career path. 

"MaryBeth is an innovative manufacturing leader and great role model for our women in operations, " said Nico Del Monaco, Owens Corning Roofing business president. “Her ability to translate strategy into operational excellence while developing team members at every level reflects the leadership capabilities that our company and the manufacturing industry depend on.”

Tran joined Owens Corning in 2014 through the Operations Leadership Development Program. Since then, she has held roles of increasing responsibility, including being promoted to operations leader of the Compton, Calif., roofing plant in 2021, before being named plant leader in 2025. Tran is actively engaged in developing the next generation of manufacturing talent, supporting early career recruiting through Purdue University and leading employee wellness and engagement initiatives across multiple Owens Corning manufacturing sites.

In honor of her accomplishments, Tran will attend a two-day leadership program and be honored at an awards gala on April 23 in Washington, D.C.