Angela Perez, Purdue University Northwest graduate student, earned a spot in the Conexus Indiana Rising 30 Class of 2025.

Perez was recognized for her contribution to the advanced manufacturing and logistics industry.

Perez was nominated for her work as a part-time plant operator and engineer at FiberX. The Merrillville-based company focuses on producing sustainable materials derived from agricultural byproducts to reduce or eliminate the use of oil. Perez designs, fabricates and installs components of the processing line.

Conexus Indiana annually honors 30 emerging leaders under the age of 30 in the advanced manufacturing and logistics field. Honorees are picked based on their career accomplishments, leadership and innovative thinking.

“Angela is distinguished from her peers,” said Dave Skibinski, FiberX president and CEO, in a press release. “She has a high acumen to learn on the job and employs that knowledge in her work. She is a tireless worker and is committed to completing every job or assignment. She is a person of tremendous character – honest and trustworthy.”

Perez’s interest in mechanical and industrial engineering technology began with a spark of imagination and a superhero.

“I always wanted to invent things and build them with my hands – like Iron Man,” Perez said. “I figured if I knew the theory behind something, I could build it.”

An East Chicago native, Perez earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from PNW’s College of Engineering and Sciences in 2021. After graduation, Perez joined PNW’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center. Her time at CMEC began with a plant-tending role on a grant project.

“What made her stand out was her initiative to partially automate the plant care process – all on her own,” Mont Handley, CMEC associate director, said. “Angela is fearless. Whether it’s mastering a new technical subject or stepping into an unfamiliar arena, whatever the challenge, she approaches it with determination.”

Perez also launched AJ Mechanical Design, a company that provides mechanical design and engineering services from concept to product realization. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in industrial engineering technology from PNW’s College of Technology.

“Receiving this honor (from Conexus) brings a level of credibility and recognition,” Perez said. “I like to imagine it will lead to incredible opportunities – not just for personal growth but to share what I’ve learned and help others along the way.”