SHELDON, IOWA – Kate Rome, president of Rome Grinding Solutions, has been recognized by two industry organizations for her contributions to the advancement of women in the manufacturing industry. Rome is a third-generation leader of her family business, which manufactures grinding equipment for the food processing industry.

On Aug. 1, Rome was presented with the Leadership in Manufacturing Award during the virtual Empowering Women in Industry 2020 National Event. She has also been added to the list of members in the inaugural class of the Women in Manufacturing’s (WiM) Hall of Fame. The official recognition will be made Oct. 1 at the virtual WiM Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Rome’s accolades stem from her ongoing promotion of women in the manufacturing and food processing industries. She helped to found the Women's Alliance Network (WAN) for the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) and currently serves as the Chairwoman for the group. Rome is the second woman to sit on the board of directors for the FPSA, and is the first woman to serve as vice chair on the MISA (Meat Industry Suppliers Alliance) council.

“Rome has been an advocate for advancement of women at Rome Grinding Solutions by increasing women in leadership and closing the wage gap for her employees,” the company said. “Rome has opened the dialogue with other manufacturing companies and has encouraged them to examine their hiring practices as well.”