A master craftsperson and precision tool mechanic, Lena was the first female at her school to undertake this prestigious degree
In a historic moment for the machining industry, ANCA introduced its first-ever Female Machinist of the Year award, a testament to the organization’s commitment to diversity and the recognition of outstanding women in the field. Johanna Boland, Strategy and Communications Manager at ANCA, expressed her pride in taking this progressive step and emphasized the importance of encouraging diversity for a stronger and more successful sector.
Boland remarked, “Women considering a career in our industry need to see there are real and exciting pathways open to them. All the entrants are fantastic examples that ANCA has been proud to showcase and celebrate, taking a step further to increase the visibility of female machinists.”
The inaugural winner of the Female Machinist Award is Lena Risse, Precision Toolmaker at Risse Tool Technology GmbH in Germany. Lena’s journey in the industry stands out as a beacon of passion and dedication. Following her apprenticeship as a precision tool mechanic, Lena became the first woman in a decade in her region to pursue a specialist master’s degree in the field.
Lena advocates for process optimization in production and aims to inspire more women to enter the precision tool manufacturing profession. Commenting on her win, Lena expressed the significance of giving women a platform in the industry, stating, “I enjoy showing with my work that not only men can grind top tools, but in some situations, it’s women who find the better solutions.”
Being the first woman to undertake the Master’s degree as a precision tool mechanic at Jakob Preh School in Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Lena is breaking down gender stereotypes and encouraging women to pursue apprenticeships in the skilled trades. Through her work, she hopes to pave the way for more women to contribute their clever ideas to the industry.
The Female Machinist Award also recognized other exceptional women in the field:
Second Place: Christina Diamantidis, Tool Grinder CNC, Fraisa GmbH
With 18 years of industry experience, Christina is highly qualified and passionate about tool grinding. Currently involved in a groundbreaking project with a university, she aims to optimize re-tooling processes through digitization and artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing role of AI in the industry.
Third Place: Kajal Bharat Padwal, Senior Production Engineer at Hrithik Tools PVT LTD
With six years at Hrithik Tools PVT LTD, Kajal specializes in operating ANCA machines. She demonstrated exceptional skills by collaborating with abrasive manufacturers to develop specialized grinding wheels, emphasizing her dedication and enthusiasm for her work.
Fourth Place: Ellen Robson, Renovo Solutions
Hailing from the northeast of England, Ellen has accumulated four years of experience in crafting cutting tools. Her outstanding skills, solution-oriented mindset, and innovative approach make her a role model for other female grinders.
The recognition of these talented women not only celebrates their individual achievements but also marks a significant step toward a more inclusive and diverse future for the machining industry. ANCA’s Female Machinist Award serves as a catalyst for inspiring more women to pursue and excel in precision tool manufacturing, contributing to the industry’s continuous development and innovation.
