Covestro chemist named emerging leader in manufacturing

Pittsburgh, PA – Covestro LLC announced that Michelle Montgomery, a Senior Chemist at the company’s Pittsburgh campus, has been named a 2025 Women MAKE Emerging Leader by The Manufacturing Institute.

The Women MAKE Awards honor 130 women at all levels of manufacturing who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in their careers and represent the future of the manufacturing industry. The Emerging Leader category specifically highlights women under the age of 30 who have achieved significant accomplishments at the beginning of their careers.

Since Michelle joined Covestro in 2017, she has embodied Covestro’s mission to make the world a brighter place through her commitment to both technical innovation and to Covestro’s culture within the company and in the community. Her innovative work has resulted in two patents and, combined with her work in the community, recently earned her recognition in the Pittsburgh Business Times’ 30 Under 30.

Michelle leads Covestro’s Global Instrument Panel Technology Council in North America, where she champions sustainable automotive design. Her achievements include co-developing an award-winning lightweight polyurethane foam, reducing testing costs through enhanced in-house capabilities, and securing two patents for sustainable foam innovations—all before age 25. Michelle champions diversity in STEM through mentoring FOSSI scholars and inspiring over 150 young girls through Girls Inc., actively building a more inclusive future in science.

“We are incredibly proud of Michelle for this well-deserved recognition,” said Julia Rubino, a Women MAKE awardee in 2018 and executive vice president and global head of Covestro’s Tailored Urethanes business. “Her community involvement, technical expertise, and innovative spirit exemplify the bright future of manufacturing and Covestro’s commitment to fostering talent in our industry.”

As part of her recognition, Michelle attended the Women MAKE Awards gala on April 24 in Washington, D.C. The event celebrated all honorees and featured professional development sessions aimed at fostering female talent in manufacturing.

“I am honored to receive this award and grateful for the opportunities Covestro has provided me,” said Montgomery. “I hope to inspire more young women to pursue careers in manufacturing and demonstrate the exciting possibilities in this field.”

Covestro’s support of the Women MAKE Awards aligns with the company’s broader commitment to supporting development, growth, belonging and excellence for all.