Eastman employee to be honored at manufacturing awards ceremony in D.C.

KINGSPORT – The Manufacturing Institute, a nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the trade group National Association of Manufacturers, named Eastman Chemical Co. employee Sador Black an honoree at its upcoming award ceremony. Black will be among 145 recipients honored at the Manufacturing Institute's 2026 STEP Ahead Awards, which recognizes "outstanding women and allies in manufacturing," in Washington D.C. on April 23, Eastman announced in a Wednesday news release. She is a senior master black belt in Eastman's Technology organization. In leadership and technical roles, she has supported plant start-ups in the U.S. and Asia and has led multiple process improvement efforts at Eastman's global operations. "Sador's recognition as a STEP Ahead Honoree is a testament to the impact one leader can have across an entire organization," said Michelle Caveness, Eastman SVP and chief manufacturing officer. "Through her technical excellence, relentless focus on continuous improvement, and passion for developing others, she has strengthened our manufacturing capabilities and helped build a culture where people are empowered to solve problems and lead change. We are incredibly proud of Sador and grateful for the lasting impact she continues to have." As a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Black revitalized Eastman's Lean Six Sigma program, which strengthens "critical continuous improvement capability," the news release states. Over the past three years, she has mentored and certified more than 50 Six Sigma Belts and delivered more than $25 million in value across Eastman's business segments. Black also expanded access to global training at Eastman through virtual learning, launched a Six Sigma Black Belt Community of Practice and built a pipeline of trainers. She has also held leadership roles with Girls Inc. of Kingsport and the LPGA Amateurs TriCities Chapter, which champion youth development and women's empowerment. The STEP Ahead Awards are a component of the Manufacturing Institute's STEP Ahead initiative, a program dedicated to supporting the manufacturing workforce through leadership development and recognition.