SMITHFIELD, VA. – Antiquea Allen, the assistant plant manager at Smithfield Foods’ pork processing plant in Clinton, NC, was recently honored with the Manufacturing Institute’s 2023 Women MAKE Awards.

The institute is the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers. The annual awards, formerly the STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards, are part of the institute’s Women MAKE America Initiative, a program to close the gender gap in manufacturing.

“I am proud to be in the manufacturing industry because manufacturing provides me the opportunity to serve as a leader in a space that has traditionally been underrepresented by women,” Allen said. “I know I am giving other women the opportunity to see themselves in a career they may have only dreamed about. The leadership, creativity and problem-solving required in manufacturing allow me to showcase my expertise while inspiring others.”

Allen started her career with Smithfield in 2022 as an accounting clerk. She was promoted several times through the next 20 years as quality assurance manager at the Kinston plant and later at Smithfield’s Clinton facility. 

In 2015 she was promoted to corporate quality assurance manager and in 2020 to director of food safety and quality assurance. In 2022, Allen was promoted to the Clinton facility’s assistant plant manager position, helping oversee the facility’s day-to-day operations.

“With the distinct ability to take complex concepts and transform them into clear communications, Antiquea Allen is a proven leader who has been integral in supporting Smithfield’s operational efficiency,” said Doug Sutton, chief manufacturing officer for Smithfield Foods. “Antiquea has made continuing contributions to our culture of innovation to promote sustainable, efficient and successful manufacturing operations, and this award is well-deserved.”

During her career, Allen mentored other women in the company as well as college students interested in manufacturing. She was a founding member of Smithfield’s Black Professional network, an employee business resource and networking group. 

An entire list of the Manufacturing Institute’s 2023 Women MAKE Awards honorees is available here.