March 5, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brandon Charochak
Phone: 717.315.9850
Email: Brandon.Charochak@myscmc.org
SCMC Hosts 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) today named the 2026 SCMC Manufacturing Woman of the Year and 2026 ATHENA Award winners at the 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium in Columbia.
Katherine Bergmann, Head of Communications and Community Relations for Volvo Car USA’s manufacturing operations in Ridgeville, S.C., was named as the 2026 SCMC Manufacturing Woman of the Year.
Since joining Volvo in 2022, Bergmann has led internal communications, local media relations, and community engagement. She established the Volvo Accelerator Program, a workforce readiness initiative designed for graduating high school seniors pursuing careers in automotive manufacturing. She has also supported education and workforce initiatives, including Be A Mentor, Girls Day Out, and Tricounty STEMersion.
“Each year, we honor women whose leadership has made a lasting impact on South Carolina’s business community through the Manufacturing Woman of the Year Award and the ATHENA Awards,” said SCMC President and CEO Sara Hazzard. “From the C-suite to the factory floor, women are the driving forces behind some of our best-known companies, and these three women honored today show us that the future is bright for women in business in South Carolina.”
The ATHENA Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Chandra Owenby Hopkins, Dean of Converse College for Women at Converse University and an Associate Professor of Theatre. Dr. Hopkins, a scholar, author, and advocate for women’s leadership, holds degrees from Brenau University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Kansas. The award recognizes accomplished women leaders advancing professional excellence, service, and women’s leadership.
The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award was presented to Bhawna “Sonia” Aggarwal, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. The award celebrates emerging women leaders demonstrating initiative, creativity, and community impact.
With more than six years of clinical experience, Aggarwal specializes in supporting autistic children and their families across home, clinic, and school settings. She holds a master’s degree in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis from Eastern Kentucky University and a specialization in Autism and Behavioral Science from Mohawk College.
For biographies of the award recipients and additional information on the SCMC Manufacturing Woman of the Year Award and the ATHENA Awards, click here.
For a photo of the award winners, click here.
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