DeRocco Fellows names 2026 cohort of 11 women in manufacturing and engineering

Eleven women from colleges and universities nationwide are spending the summer in manufacturing and engineering roles through the 2026 DeRocco Fellows Program. The cohort highlights how industry-backed internships and mentorship programs are helping address workforce gaps while building the next generation of women leaders.

Why it matters: - The manufacturing sector continues to face workforce shortages and rising demand for skilled technical talent. - The DeRocco Fellows Program aims to build business skills, professional networks and confidence for women entering engineering, manufacturing and technology careers. - The program is designed to strengthen leadership pathways for women in industries that still need more representation.

What happened: - Eleven women were selected for the 2026 DeRocco Fellows Cohort. - The fellows are spending the summer working on engineering challenges and supporting manufacturing operations with employers across the U.S. and abroad. - The students come from colleges and universities across the country. - The cohort includes students pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering technology and electro-mechanical engineering technology. - Their summer placements span aerospace, advanced materials, consumer products, defense, industrial automation and emerging technologies.

The details: - Leslie Apanecatl-Cortes of Tufts University is working with PepsiCo, Inc. in Coral Springs, Florida. - Ava Dioli of Purdue University is placed with Saab AB in Linköping, Sweden. - Danielle Garrecht of the University of South Florida is working with Florida Turbine Technologies (Kratos Defense) in Jupiter, Florida. - Vaidehi Goyal of Purdue University is placed with Hexcel in Kent, Washington. - Camila Iberico Pinillos of the University of South Florida is working with Lithionics in Clearwater, Florida. - Bessie Jackson of Columbus State Community College is serving as a Future Technicians Learning Community Ambassador in Columbus, Ohio. - Grace Ha Eun Kim of Case Western Reserve University is working with Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. - Jenna Money of the University of Kentucky is placed with M.K. Morse in Canton, Ohio. - Sophie Morehead of Purdue University is working with Endress+Hauser in Greenwood, Indiana. - Aniya Myers of Temple University is placed with Endress+Hauser in Pearland, Texas. - Audrey Pulley of Purdue University is working with Endress+Hauser in Greenwood, Indiana. - The program says the fellows are gaining hands-on industry experience through real-world manufacturing environments. - The DeRocco Fellows Program honors the legacy of Emily DeRocco by investing in future industry leaders. - The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on supporting women pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing. - The program provides mentorship, community and leadership development. - More information is available at the program website.

Between the lines: - The fellowship is positioned as both a talent pipeline and a response to an industry-wide workforce challenge. - The cohort’s mix of employers suggests the program is building cross-sector exposure, not just training for one manufacturing niche. - The inclusion of students from engineering, technology and community college pathways signals a broad approach to workforce development. - Lauren Beth DeRocco Gopi said the fellows reflect the curiosity, determination and leadership needed to shape manufacturing’s future.

What’s next: - The fellows are expected to continue their summer placements and build experience that can translate into future manufacturing and engineering roles. - The program will keep using mentorship and experiential learning to expand access to leadership opportunities for women. - The organization is open to support from donors and partners interested in advancing its mission.

The bottom line: - The 2026 DeRocco Fellows cohort shows how targeted internships and mentorship can help grow the next generation of women leaders in manufacturing and engineering.