While the presence of women within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industry has been notoriously low, women have been trailblazers in the STEM field for centuries. From Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, to modern-day innovators like Gwynne Shotwell, women continue to make things happen with their invaluable contributions. Today, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day and recognize the incredible women in engineering who are making waves and shattering stereotypes in a male-dominated field. We are honored to share a couple of stories from mechanical engineer Tamara Haglund P.E. and electrical designer Emily Little!

Emily Little, Electrical Designer

WHAT SPARKED YOUR CURIOSITY ABOUT THE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY?

“Growing up, I always enjoyed tinkering and building things with my dad. Even from an early age, I realized how much I really loved learning how and why things worked the way they did.”

“At the beginning of my career, it was a bit of a struggle, finding my voice and gaining the respect of my colleagues and the clients we worked with, but as time has gone on, it has been fun to see more and more women joining the engineering field and pushing it forward.”

“It has been exciting to see engineering introduced to kids and into schools through STEM programs throughout the country. Exposing boys and girls to the option of engineering as a career and all the possibilities that come with it.”

Tamara Haglund P.E., Mechanical Engineer

WHAT SPARKED YOUR CURIOSITY ABOUT THE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY?

“My brothers helped steer my interest in engineering. Both of my older brothers got their degrees in engineering (one in electrical and one in civil), and it seemed like a good path to follow. Mechanical engineering had a large variety of options, so that made the most sense for me to learn about it.”

“Being a woman in engineering means bringing a different perspective to the table. When I was in a product development class in college, the teacher split us into groups and gave each group a different mixer to review. We were supposed to come up with what consumers would think is essential and rank those choices. I, being the only female in the class, was able to push the ease of cleaning to the top of the list. My teacher told me I was the only one to bring up that point in all the classes he had that day. This showed me how my ideas are important, too.”