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2020 SCMA Woman of the Year Award Presented to Sky Foster

2020 SCMA Woman of the Year Award Presented to Sky Foster, Communications Manager at BMW Manufacturing

(Spartanburg, SC) – Sky Foster, Communications Manager at BMW Manufacturing, was today named the 2020 SCMA Woman of the Year at an awards presentation held during the 2nd annual Palmetto Women’s Manufacturing Forum presented by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA).

 

“Sky Foster has been an incredible leader for South Carolina’s manufacturing industry,” said Sara Hazzard, President & CEO of SCMA. “Her character, values, and commitment for excellence have truly made a meaningful difference for manufacturing and communities throughout our state. We’re proud to recognize Sky’s accomplishments and career with the 2020 SCMA South Carolina Woman of the Year Award.”

 

The award was created to honor an outstanding female South Carolinian for her contributions to our state’s manufacturing industry and was presented to Sky Foster by SCMA’s President & CEO Sara Hazzard in Spartanburg, S.C. at the 2nd annual Palmetto Women’s Manufacturing Forum – an event organized by SCMA to recognize the impact of female leaders in the manufacturing field. The previous year’s award recipient was Lou Kennedy, CEO & Owner of Nephron Pharmaceuticals.

 

“I am committed to the continued growth and success of manufacturing in South Carolina,” said Sky Foster. “Women must continue to be visible as leaders and mentors. I have had several mentors during my career who challenged and encouraged me. I strongly believe it’s important to inspire and encourage the next generation of women in manufacturing.”

 

In addition to honoring the important role female industry leaders have in the Palmetto State, the 150 attendees of the sold out Palmetto Women’s Manufacturing Forum participated in a plant tour of MAGNA Seating and panel discussions to learn more about career opportunities and leadership tracks for women in manufacturing.

The impressive list of participants for the “Opportunities and Challenges: Perspectives on Careers for Women in Manufacturing” panel included:

  • Kristen Blanchard, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Nutramax Laboratories
  •  Ryan Burns, Human Resources Director, AFL
  • Erica Carpenter, Raw Materials Warehouse Manager, Continental Tire
  •  Paige Reed, CFO, Sage Automotive Interiors
  • Sherri Satterfield, Director of HR, EHS, and General Affairs, Samsung

 

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South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance

www.myscma.com

Is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to elevate the quality of life for all South Carolinians by advancing the state’s manufacturing industry. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 80,000 associates in South Carolina.

 

Sky Foster– BMW Manufacturing Co.

https://www.bmwgroup-plants.com/spartanburg/en.html

Sky Foster has over 25 years’ experience at BMW Plant Spartanburg. Foster began her career at the South Carolina plant in 1993 as part of the start-up team recruiting associates.

She spent the first two decades of her BMW career working in Human Resources, holding several important roles managing Compensation/Working Structures, Benefits, Strategic Planning; Talent Acquisition, Compensation; Training and Recruitment; and Interim VP of Human Resources. Foster’s impact has reached well beyond the plant’s geographical location. She has had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and conduct training classes across BMW’s Global Network in Africa, Austria, Canada, England, Germany, Italy and Mexico.

 In her current role, Foster is the plant spokesperson. Over the last two decades, she has been very active in the local community serving on numerous boards in Upstate, South Carolina. Her most recent professional affiliations include: United Way of the Piedmont Board of Directors, Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, South Carolina State University Trustee Board, The Julie Valentine Center, Board of Directors, Leadership Greenville, Warehouse Theatre Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board, Diversity Leadership Institute and the Automotive Personnel Forum.