Dragonfly Energy Director of Production and Development Emily Litt is being recognized nationally as a 2026 Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) Ahead Emerging Leader.
Dragonfly said Litt is being honored by the Manufacturing Institute for her leadership in advancing U.S. battery manufacturing and accelerating domestic clean‑energy innovation.
The Manufacturing Institute is the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers and honors women at every stage of their manufacturing careers.
This year, 145 leaders were selected as STEP Ahead Awardees, with just 30 being recognized as Emerging Leaders.
“I hope to inspire the next generation,” Litt said, “by demonstrating that curiosity, persistence and thoughtful design can turn complex challenges into sustainable, real-world solutions that make a lasting difference.”
The company said Litt started as Dragonfly Energy’s first intern, and her early days in the research and development laboratory gave her the opportunity to work on many projects.
While serving as director of research and development, Litt led the team that successfully dry-deposited lithium-ion cathode electrodes at scale, enabling commercial production.
This breakthrough, Dragonfly said, reduces the carbon footprint and helps eliminate the forever chemical PFAS affiliated with the battery-manufacturing process.
In 2025, Emily was named the director of product development — a new position created following her success growing the research and development lab.
2026 STEP Ahead Award Chairperson Nicole Murphy said culture is the foundation of a thriving manufacturing industry.
“It comes to life every day,” Murphy said, “on the shop floor, in labs, in corporate offices and in communities across the country through leaders who model excellence in the way they work, collaborate and contribute. The 2026 STEP Ahead Awardees are those leaders.”
Workforce shortages have plagued manufacturers for decades, the Manufacturing Institute said. Today, there are over 400,000 open jobs in the sector.
By 2033, manufacturers will need to fill 3.8 million positions, but half could go unfilled due to a lack of talent.
Manufacturing Institute President Carolyn Lee said the STEP Ahead Awards highlight leaders who are championing mentorship and fostering supportive workplace environments.
“The STEP Ahead Awards are truly a celebration of the outstanding character and contributions of so many members of the manufacturing workforce,” Lee said. “Our industry is so fortunate to have so many inspiring leaders and mentors who are cultivating fulfilling workplace cultures that encourage people to join, stay and grow our workforce.”
The 2026 STEP Ahead Awards Gala will take place April 23, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
