Continued. . .

Women in Engineering responses!

Why did you choose Engineering?

“I liked math, I loved taking things apart and putting them back together and I loved creating and building new things.” - Deanna Hurst

“I chose mechanical engineering because I grew up with an interest for understanding how things work. I always sought out information on how items I use day to day work and the thought that went into designing it. I eventually joined a robotics team in my early teenage years and loved learning the engineering design process and putting my skills out there. It made me realize that I have a passion for engineering and I wanted to do meaningful work.” -Maribelle Rodriguez

“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

“I enjoyed math and science and liked problem solving. I believed a degree in engineering would lead to a wide variety of job options and stable career path.”- Erin Spier

“There is no real interesting answer here. I had an affinity for math and science, I liked it, and I wanted to pursue a career where I could use math and science. Engineering seemed to be the logical choice.”- Kathy Gargasz

“When I was 17 and applying to colleges, I’ll be honest, I didn’t fully understand what being an engineer really meant. My dad worked in engineering and encouraged me to explore it, and since I genuinely enjoyed physics and mathematics in high school, it seemed like a logical direction to take.

In the beginning, though, I wasn’t instantly passionate about it. For the first couple of years of engineering school, I didn’t feel the spark or sense of purpose that some of my peers seemed to have. That changed when I started working as an intern for a local manufacturing company. Seeing engineering applied in real time made everything click. It was the turning point where I realized engineering wasn’t just a good choice, but the right choice for me.

What truly drew me in was the ability to solve real world problems and actually see the results of my hard work in tangible improvements that made products better, not just on paper. That feeling of contributing something meaningful and watching it come to life is what made me love engineering and ultimately inspired me to continue growing in the field.” - Alexis Omilion

What is your favorite part about being in Engineering?

“I love designing, programming and drawing on CAD and then going out to the machine and watching it work!” - Deanna Hurst

“Learning about the many different faces of engineering and the people in those specialties. There are so many different areas an engineer can contribute to aside from designing and supporting manufacturing processes.” - Maribelle Rodriguez

“My favorite part of engineering is getting to solve complex, cross‑functional problems that make a real difference. I love being hands‑on and really diving into the work, whether it’s troubleshooting, building, or figuring out how things can be improved. I also enjoy that the field keeps me learning. There’s always something new to explore, and I love the challenge of continuously growing my skills.”- Olivia Connors

“Problem solving! I come in to work every day and figure out how to make people's jobs easier.”- Erin Spier

“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

“My favorite part about being in engineering is the incredible range of roles it has allowed me to explore throughout my career. I’ve had the opportunity to work in product design, process and application engineering, system design, and computational modeling, each one giving me a different perspective on how ideas move from concept to reality.

What ties all of those experiences together is the engineering mindset I developed early on: an analytical, but curious approach to problem solving. That way of thinking has been the foundation of every step in my career and continues to guide me today.

Now, in business development, I still rely heavily on my technical background, but I also get to pair it with strategy and long-term vision. It’s incredibly rewarding to bridge the gap between complex technical solutions and real-world customer needs, translating engineering into value, outcomes, and opportunities.

Engineering has given me the flexibility to evolve, the skills to tackle challenges from multiple angles, and the confidence to grow into roles I never imagined when I first started. It’s that combination of depth, variety, and continuous learning that I enjoy most.” - Alexis Omilion

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

“Being open-minded and willing to listen to other's needs and ideas”- Deanna Hurst

“Emotional intelligence has been vital in my time as an engineer. Building strong relationships and collaborating with others is important as an engineer. Being able to be self-aware of my emotions and others helps me better understand how to collaborate with a team and support a respectful work environment. “- Maribelle Rodriguez

“Adaptability has been the most important skill in my career. As a manufacturing engineer, you have to be ready for just about anything. Some days you walk in with a plan, and five minutes later it gets completely flipped because of something that happened overnight. Being able to pivot quickly, stay flexible, and say yes to whatever the day throws at you has made all the difference. Funny enough, some of my most exciting projects and biggest wins came from opportunities that weren’t planned at all, they showed up unexpectedly, and being adaptable let me run with them.” - Olivia Connors

“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

“Soft skills. Communication. Talking to people.”- Kathy Gargasz

“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

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

“My day begins with driving into work with a list of items I want to accomplish throughout the day. Every day at work is always different and keeps me on my toes. I typically spend my day working on projects, attending meetings, and collaborating with different teams on planned improvements and goals. Throughout the workday, I take small pockets of my time to have small talk with my work peers and network with colleagues outside my team. Most of the day is spent focusing on tasks I need to accomplish as a part of my daily work routine. At the end of the day, I reflect on what I worked on today and what I should focus on for tomorrow. “ - Maribelle Rodriguez

“As an engineering manager, my day is usually a mix of project meetings, problem‑solving, and setting the strategy for my areas of responsibility. I support three different teams, which keeps things interesting and gives me a lot of variety. I’m never bored, there’s always a new challenge or a unique problem to work through. I’m also very fortunate to work with a great team and leadership group. They push me to grow, think differently, and keep learning, even as I focus on developing others.” - Olivia Connors

“No day is typical! Some days I am out on the manufacturing floor all day, seeing where the work is being done. Other days I'm in strategy sessions. And still other days I'm spending most of my time coaching and developing the people who report up through me. The variety is what make coming to work every day enjoyable!”- Erin Spier

“One of the best things about engineering is there is no answer for this. Every day is different. Every day is a new problem. A new opportunity. A new chance to meet people. Talk to people. Collaborate. Solve problems. Every day is unique. It's one of the best things about being an engineer.” - Kathy Gargasz

“A typical day for me is a blend of technical problem solving, strategic thinking, and relationship building, reflecting the winding path my engineering career has taken me.

A portion of my day is spent interfacing with various technical teams, such as engineering, construction, and plant operations. These conversations are critical, not just for understanding constraints or progress, but for shaping and guiding the technical solutions we ultimately deliver to clients. I act as a bridge between disciplines, ensuring that the engineering details align with broader project goals and customer needs. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job, because it draws directly from the problem-solving skill set I built as an engineer.

The rest of my day is devoted to business development, which in my world is still highly technical. I meet with clients, explore new opportunities, and help them understand how our solutions can support their goals. Some discussions require deep technical dives; others require stepping back to look at strategy, long term value, and the bigger picture.

Across all of it, the common thread is this: my engineering foundation is still at the center of everything I do. Whether I'm collaborating with technical teams, guiding solution development, or building strategic direction, the way I think, communicate, and solve problems is unmistakably shaped by my engineering roots. That variety is what makes each day energizing and meaningful.” - Alexis Omilion

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

“Go for it. Engineering can open so many doors, and the skills you build, problem solving, communication, teamwork, creativity, translate into almost any industry. Even if you decide later that you don’t want a traditional engineering role, the foundation you gain will give you options, confidence, and opportunities to grow. It’s a field that challenges you, stretches you, and takes you places you might not expect. If you’re curious and willing to learn, engineering is an amazing place to start.”- Olivia Connors

“Go for it! I think engineering develops skill sets that are not as prevalent in traditionally female dominated workplaces” - Erin Spier

“It's a great career choice that can lead you in many directions in the future. Go for it!” - Kathy Gargasz

“My biggest advice is this: don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. None of us have all the answers. What matters is your curiosity, your willingness to learn, and your confidence that you belong in the room. Engineering isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being persistent, creative, collaborative, and open to challenges.

Also, remember that your voice and perspective are needed. Diverse thinkers make better teams and better solutions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentors, or take opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Every skill you build, technical or not, will open doors.” - Alexis Omilion

“It's Ok that you learn differently than the guys, use that as your superpower and don't be afraid to speak up when you do not understand.”-Deanna Hurst