Karleigh Sonnenberg – Northwest State Community College, Mechanical Engineering
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT
- Ohio Valley District: $1,000
- PMA Educational Foundation: $500
- Total: $1,500
Karleigh Sonnenberg, a scholarship recipient from the Ohio Valley District, has demonstrated exceptional focus, adaptability and resilience throughout her educational and professional journey. These qualities enabled her to achieve a significant milestone at a young age, becoming a full-time project manager at just 20 years old. From the beginning of her career path, Karleigh recognized the importance of gaining practical experience alongside her education. With that goal in mind, she pursued a project management internship that ultimately led to a full-time position in December 2025.
While project management serves as the foundation of her professional career, mechanical engineering remains the field that inspires her curiosity and long-term ambitions. In her current role, Karleigh works closely with coil processing equipment used by OEMs and Tier 1 automotive suppliers. These systems are complex, highly specialized and continually evolving to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. Through her work, she has gained valuable exposure to the technical challenges and innovations that drive today’s manufacturing industry.
Karleigh has had the opportunity to participate in equipment installations at major automotive manufacturing facilities, including Toyota, Ford, General Motors and Honda. These experiences have provided first-hand insight into large-scale manufacturing operations and reinforced her passion for engineering. Working alongside industry professionals and observing sophisticated equipment in action has challenged her to think critically about system performance, operational efficiency and opportunities for improvement.
Each project has further fueled Karleigh’s desire to understand how advanced manufacturing systems are designed, built and optimized. Seeing these machines operate in real-world environments has inspired her to explore innovative solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability and performance. She is particularly interested in developing modern, energy-efficient technologies that help manufacturers overcome complex operational challenges.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Karleigh is committed to continuous learning and personal development. She has earned the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential through the Project Management Institute and is currently working toward obtaining her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. These achievements reflect her dedication to developing strong leadership and project management skills that complement her technical interests.
Academically, Karleigh is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering through Northwest State Community College. Her studies are strengthening her understanding of engineering principles and providing the technical knowledge needed to better understand the machines and manufacturing systems she manages professionally. By combining engineering education with project management expertise, she is developing a unique skill set that bridges technical design and successful project execution.
Karleigh’s long-term goal is to continue advancing her career in project management while expanding her engineering expertise. She aspires to become a leader who can effectively connect engineering, manufacturing and business objectives to drive innovation and operational success. Her philosophy is that excellence is achieved through consistency, adaptability and determination rather than chance, principles that guide both her academic pursuits and professional career.
Through her leadership experience, technical curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement, Karleigh has established herself as a promising future leader in manufacturing and engineering. Her ability to balance professional responsibilities with academic achievement demonstrates the dedication and work ethic necessary for long-term success.
The Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation (PMAEF) proudly congratulates Karleigh Sonnenberg on being selected as a scholarship recipient. Her leadership, professional accomplishments and commitment to advancing engineering and manufacturing make her highly deserving of this recognition. PMAEF wishes Karleigh continued success in her education and future career.