Shaw Industries Group Inc.’s Sandy Johnson, Director of Culture Enablement, has been named a 2026 STEP Ahead Awards Honoree by the Manufacturing Institute. The national recognition honors women leaders who are shaping the future of manufacturing through excellence, innovation and service.
As director of culture enablement, Johnson has built enterprise-wide networks of divisional champions and sponsors, launched Shaw Inclusion Teams, and led initiatives that strengthen belonging and engagement across the organization.
One of Johnson’s most impactful contributions is the creation of Shaw’s Bridge program, which connects associates — many from manufacturing roles — to skills development, mentoring and hands-on learning opportunities. The program supports associates in transitioning into salaried roles in engineering, IT and operations leadership pathways and has impacted more than 40 individuals to date.
"Sandy exhibits an immense passion for building and nurturing strong, effective teams. She is consistently able to assess the cultural needs across the enterprise and develop key programs and processes to address those needs,” says Carlene Blanding, VP of Talent Strategy & Culture Enablement for Shaw Industries. “It is my absolute pleasure to work with Sandy and see the impact she has on our people."
Beyond her professional impact, Johnson is deeply engaged in her community. She mentors at-risk students through Dalton Public Schools, serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Compassion House, and has opened her home to foster children in need — demonstrating a lifelong commitment to service and empowerment.
The STEP Ahead Awards celebrate women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in manufacturing while inspiring the next generation through mentorship and community involvement. Honorees will be recognized during the STEP Ahead Awards Gala on April 23, 2026, in conjunction with the Manufacturing Institute’s leadership conference.