DeRocco Fellows names inaugural advisory board

By AI, Created 11:18 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The DeRocco Fellows program has launched its first advisory board as it expands efforts to advance women into leadership roles in advanced manufacturing. The board brings together leaders from industry, higher education and workforce development to guide strategy, growth and national impact.

Why it matters: - The DeRocco Fellows program is building a broader leadership pipeline for women in advanced manufacturing, a sector facing ongoing workforce and talent needs. - The advisory board adds national expertise that can help the nonprofit scale mentorship, leadership development and industry connections. - Board members will also serve as ambassadors, which can widen access to networks and resources for future fellows.

What happened: - The DeRocco Fellows program announced its inaugural Advisory Board on May 7, 2026, in Washington, D.C. - The board brings together leaders from manufacturing, workforce development and higher education. - The nonprofit said the group will help guide its long-term vision and national growth. - Lauren DeRocco Gopi, daughter of Emily DeRocco, said the board reflects her mother’s legacy and the future she worked to build.

The details: - The DeRocco Fellows program is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on developing the next generation of women leaders in advanced manufacturing. - The Advisory Board will meet quarterly to support program strategy, expansion and stakeholder engagement. - Advisory Board members include Nate Ames of The Ohio State University; Fazleena Badurdeen of the University of Kentucky; Michael Britt-Crane of the National Institute of Standards and Technology; Julia Flynn of Boston University, a 2025 Fellow; Maria Flynn of Jobs for the Future; Edward Herderick of America Makes; Rebecca Lewis of NextFlex; Kimberly Perkins of Amatrol; Robert Shaner of LIFT; Sue Smith of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance; Cora White of Purdue University, a 2025 Fellow; and Jim Woodell of Venn Collaborative. - The program says it uses mentorship, community and leadership development to create career-launching experiences for women pursuing advanced manufacturing careers. - More information is available at the program’s website. - The organization also listed its LinkedIn page at DeRocco Fellows on LinkedIn.

Between the lines: - The board’s mix of employers, universities and workforce organizations suggests the program is positioning itself as a national convening point, not just a fellowship. - Including two 2025 Fellows on the board signals an effort to keep participants connected to program leadership and to surface recent alumni voices. - The board structure points to a focus on external credibility as the program grows.

What’s next: - The Advisory Board will convene quarterly. - The group is expected to shape strategy, expansion and stakeholder outreach as the DeRocco Fellows program pursues broader national impact. - The nonprofit will continue using mentorship and leadership development to support women entering advanced manufacturing.