Growing up, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM, or a science, technology, engineering, or mathematical field. In my pursuit, engineering continued to find its way to the top of my list as a career that emphasized hands-on skills and experience. I was initially focused on mechanical and aerospace engineering, when industrial operations engineering revealed itself as a path. Industrial operations allowed me to focus on the practical work along with the process-based approach of manufacturing. Throughout college, it became evident I was aspiring to enter a male-dominated field, where in many engineering courses, women made up 20% or less of students. But I found I wasn’t afraid of being in the 20%. Rather, it challenged me to help grow the female representation.
Early in my career, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned was to say “yes” to opportunities when they arise. That “yes” can give you experience and put you in the room where decisions are made, and your ideas can be voiced. However, being in the room is only part of the battle—being heard is another. Women often find themselves in situations where their ideas go unnoticed until reiterated by someone else. It can be frustrating, but it reinforces the importance of persistence. Speak up, stand by your ideas, and use your strengths to your advantage. For me, I leaned into my strength of communication and building relationships to help further my industry.
In a technical field like engineering or manufacturing, communication is often an underestimated skill. But I’ve found that communication can help to build relationships, influence, and navigate the complexities of the industry. Whether dealing with internal teams or external clients, understanding their needs and articulating solutions effectively has helped me gain trust and respect with others.
Being in the manufacturing field, I also knew that I would benefit from a mentor or advocate when I wasn’t present. Having a male and female mentors has been invaluable to me as it has opened doors and provided opportunities that I might not have had otherwise. They have helped build my confidence, recognized my efforts, and supported my involvement across the industry. Knowing the impact mentorship has had on my career, I now feel compelled and responsible to provide support and resources to others in manufacturing roles. Which was a driving factor in co-founding the West Michigan Chapter of Women in Manufacturing in 2019.
Women in Manufacturing (WiM) is one of the most impactful resources I’ve found for women in the manufacturing sector. WiM has both helped me personally and professionally, shaping me into the leader I am today. It has provided me with the opportunity to connect and promote manufacturing careers with amazing women in a wide range of roles and companies. WiM represents the future of manufacturing—a future that’s diverse, inclusive, and dynamic—through networking, mentorship, and education. Over the course of 5 years, our chapter has grown to support over 1,000 members in the West Michigan area.
Despite progress, the gender gap in engineering and manufacturing still exists, and it’s a challenge. Now, 30% of women made up the manufacturing industry, with 38% women holding degrees and certificates in STEM.1 However, true change begins with awareness and action. Securing a seat at the table is an achievement, but it’s only the first step. Once we have a seat, we must use it. Contribute, lead, and bring others along to help shape an industry where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
For every woman striving to advance in engineering or manufacturing, my advice is simple: Go for it. Try it. You know more than you think you do. Be confident, embrace your strengths, and know that your presence in the industry is shaping a better future for those who will follow.
1 U.S. Census Bureau, Michigan Manufacturing Cluster Employment by Gender, Third Quarter 2021
