Women in Engineering

Cleveland is home to a strong and inspiring community of women in engineering. On this website, they come together to share their real-world experiences by answering some of the most common questions about engineering careers. From what it’s like to study engineering, to navigating the workplace, choosing a discipline, and overcoming challenges, their responses offer honest insight and practical advice. Whether you’re curious about engineering, considering it as a career, or looking for guidance along your journey, these voices provide clarity, encouragement, and firsthand perspective on what it truly means to be an engineer.

Why did you choose engineering?

“I’ve always loved math and the applied sciences, so engineering felt like a natural fit. I wanted a career that opened doors to many different industries and roles, and engineering offers exactly that. It’s a field with endless possibilities, plenty of ways to grow, and strong job security, which made it an exciting and practical path for me.”

- Olivia Connors

What is your favorite part about being in Engineering?

“Engineering is one of those professions where you can usually physically see the results of your work. It's very rewarding. It's nice to see something successful be used and make a difference at work.”

- Kathy Gargasz

What advice would you give to young women thinking about engineering?

“If you have a passion for engineering, go for it! Find a support team to help you navigate your engineering journey and be there until the end. There may be some external bias, but we are strong, intelligent, and we should be heard. Be confident in yourself and your passion!”

- Maribelle Rodriguez

What does a “day in the life” look like for you?

“Everyday can be totally different - one day I might write a program, one day I might fix the equipment in the lab, one day I might need to write a document and another day I might host a tour group. I love that they are all different.”

- Deanna Hurst

What skill do you think has been most important to your success?

“Developing strong critical thinking skills has helped me in my career. It is important to analyze information in a rational way, check assumptions, and consider alternative viewpoints before making a decision.”

-Erin Spier

“The skill that has been most important to my success is effective communication. Throughout my career, strong communication has been the constant that enables everything else to work.

Engineering taught me how to break down complex technical problems, but communication is what allows me to translate those problems, solutions, and ideas across teams, disciplines, and audiences. It’s the skill that helps align stakeholders, clarify expectations, build trust, and ensure that great technical work actually leads to great outcomes.

Now in business development, communication is even more critical. My role requires a blend of technical understanding and strategic insight, and the ability to articulate both clearly is essential. Being able to shift between detailed engineering discussions and high-level strategic conversations has allowed me to grow, lead, and continue to move into roles with broader impact.

In every phase of my career, communication has been the skill that connects everything else and ultimately drives success.”

- Alexis Omilion

To hear more from these engineers, see their responses to all of questions here: