Q What did you learn as a woman in engineering that has helped you in and out of your professional role?

Being an empathetic colleague and leader is essential for success. While a company of course needs to care about its bottom line, at the end of the day, a company is truly made up of the people who work there. If people aren't happy working at a company, that will show as there will be low morale and turnover, which ultimately hinders the company's productivity. On the other hand, if people are happy with their jobs and can work well their teammates and overcome challenges, they will be more productive and innovative, resulting in the company being more successful. That is why it's so crucial for leadership to be empathetic and to set a good culture within their company so that people can build good relationships with each other and work together better.

Q Do you think the landscape of women in STEM fields has changed? How so? Where do you see it going in the future?

I have absolutely seen an improvement in terms of representation of women within STEM fields; however, there is still much progress to be made. Throughout my career so far, I have generally been able to work on teams that have a decent representation of women. While I have had some incredible female managers, the world needs to have more women in the top level leadership of companies. There has been some progress in terms of shifting the general industry mindset as to what a good leader looks like, but there are still improvements to be made of embracing different leadership styles. Finally, many companies still have insufficient maternity leave and don't have the required associated processes for handling those leaves - this is a major issue in STEM and needs to be addressed as it is a barrier to more women being in senior leadership positions.

Q Who inspires you as a woman in engineering?

While I have certainly looked up to the women in leadership at the companies I have worked with, it's the women I work with on day-to-day basis that inspire me. It's amazing how brilliant and empathetic people can be. I always feel inspired after talking to another woman in STEM about similar experiences (the good and the bad).

Q What advice do you have for women in who are starting their journey in engineering?

Find your people and stick with them. I met one of my best friends at WIE camp and she has continued to be one of my biggest supporters and best advice givers. Once you've found your people, try to find ways to work with them. For example, my first boss was so amazing that even though I left that company, I went to go work for her at another company a few years later because I knew she was someone I trusted and who would support me. The world can be very small so the people you meet at The Grainger College of Engineering might be the people you start a company with, invent something new with, or solve impossible problems with at some point down the road.