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As an African American woman entering the STEM field, how can I ensure that my voice is not only heard but valued within the workplace?
I am an 18-year-old rising college sophomore, majoring in mechanical engineering while also playing D1 Volleyball. After graduating from college, I would be most interested in working in the manufacturing or product design industries. My overall goal is to use engineering to make an impact, representing black women in STEM and proving what leadership looks like in science and sports.
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6 answers
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William’s Answer
Hi Natalie,
You have already made very significant progress towards the realization of your long-term aspirations. Very exciting opportunities in the manufacturing sector await you. The sector is quite wide. The good news is that you will be able to fit everywhere in the sector. Roles are available in the areas of production, maintenance, utilities, projects, design, and research & development.
As a student, excellence in your persuance of a qualification remains paramount. Every opportunity for hands-on experience is important. Internships are very helpful in this regard as they provide you avenues to put theoretical knowledge into practice, get exposed to engineering standards & best practices and get guidance and mentorship from professionals by working alongside them.
Regarding internships, start by building a list of your preferred industries & employers. You can then zero down your choices based on the companies hiring, which companies have the best internship programs and their locations. Popular employers in the USA that offer mechanical engineering internships include: US Department of Air Force; Sony, Space X, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Hyundai etc. Pharmaceuticals, Beverage companies and agro processing sector also provide excellent environment for experiential learning.
Membership in professional associations exposes you to professional standards, regulations, best practices and latest innovations and development. Such bodies include American Society of Mechanical Engineers & Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Membership is available to aspiring students.
In readiness for your entry into the work environment, you need to interest yourself in a number of approaches that drive operational excellence.
The first of these is Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). It's the foundation upon which World Class Manufacturing is built. It's key drivers are: team based activities, elimination of waste, continuous improvement, planned maintenance activities, manufacturing flexibility, workplace organization for safety and efficiency (5S), Health safety & Environment all of which promote excellence.
The other aspect relates to maintenance and is referred to as Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM). This approach focuses on the failure process in order to realize Inherent equipment safety and reliability at minimum cost. It's premised on the philosophy that maintenance tasks must be developed based on the consequences of equipment failures and that such tasks should address machine root causes only (Ishikawa Diagram/Fishbone). Embedded within RCM are powerful problem solving techniques and a task selection decision tree (logic). Progression of potential root causes through the logic allows the selection of appropriate tasks from a maintenance task wheel based on technical feasibility & cost effectiveness. This methodology allows the development of very effective maintenance tasks.
Other important asset management business processes include Work Management, Information Management, Inventory Management, Change Management, Problem Solving, Tools & Workshop facilities and Learning & Development (L & D). Familiarity with these processes provides a solid base for your success at the workplace. Superior footprint in your work will put you in a good stead for reward & recognition.
Respect is a two-way traffic. The level of genuine respect you get from others depends upon the extent to which you respect yourself.
You have already made very significant progress towards the realization of your long-term aspirations. Very exciting opportunities in the manufacturing sector await you. The sector is quite wide. The good news is that you will be able to fit everywhere in the sector. Roles are available in the areas of production, maintenance, utilities, projects, design, and research & development.
As a student, excellence in your persuance of a qualification remains paramount. Every opportunity for hands-on experience is important. Internships are very helpful in this regard as they provide you avenues to put theoretical knowledge into practice, get exposed to engineering standards & best practices and get guidance and mentorship from professionals by working alongside them.
Regarding internships, start by building a list of your preferred industries & employers. You can then zero down your choices based on the companies hiring, which companies have the best internship programs and their locations. Popular employers in the USA that offer mechanical engineering internships include: US Department of Air Force; Sony, Space X, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Hyundai etc. Pharmaceuticals, Beverage companies and agro processing sector also provide excellent environment for experiential learning.
Membership in professional associations exposes you to professional standards, regulations, best practices and latest innovations and development. Such bodies include American Society of Mechanical Engineers & Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Membership is available to aspiring students.
In readiness for your entry into the work environment, you need to interest yourself in a number of approaches that drive operational excellence.
The first of these is Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). It's the foundation upon which World Class Manufacturing is built. It's key drivers are: team based activities, elimination of waste, continuous improvement, planned maintenance activities, manufacturing flexibility, workplace organization for safety and efficiency (5S), Health safety & Environment all of which promote excellence.
The other aspect relates to maintenance and is referred to as Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM). This approach focuses on the failure process in order to realize Inherent equipment safety and reliability at minimum cost. It's premised on the philosophy that maintenance tasks must be developed based on the consequences of equipment failures and that such tasks should address machine root causes only (Ishikawa Diagram/Fishbone). Embedded within RCM are powerful problem solving techniques and a task selection decision tree (logic). Progression of potential root causes through the logic allows the selection of appropriate tasks from a maintenance task wheel based on technical feasibility & cost effectiveness. This methodology allows the development of very effective maintenance tasks.
Other important asset management business processes include Work Management, Information Management, Inventory Management, Change Management, Problem Solving, Tools & Workshop facilities and Learning & Development (L & D). Familiarity with these processes provides a solid base for your success at the workplace. Superior footprint in your work will put you in a good stead for reward & recognition.
Respect is a two-way traffic. The level of genuine respect you get from others depends upon the extent to which you respect yourself.
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Hello,
As a young African American woman in STEM, you are already breaking barriers and leading the way for others. Your unique perspective as a mechanical engineering major and Division I volleyball player makes you stand out, showcasing your leadership, discipline, and ability to excel under pressure. To keep growing and making your voice heard, focus on building your technical skills through hands-on projects, internships, and competitions that match your interests. Engaging in mentorship and community-building is important—seek out organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the National GEM Consortium Fellowship Program (GEM Fellowship), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), among others. These groups offer scholarships, resources, and networking opportunities that can help you move forward in your career.
As you move ahead in your field, take the chance to show your leadership in engineering by mentoring peers, managing projects, and guiding teams. In sports, keep leading by example, fostering teamwork, and supporting teammates through challenges. During internships, look for roles where you can manage tasks and influence outcomes—this will show your ability to take charge in real-world situations. Also, participating in meetings, conferences, and local community events will expand your network and provide new insights into your field. Keep pushing forward, continue learning, and never underestimate the impact you're already making. You're on the right track!
As a young African American woman in STEM, you are already breaking barriers and leading the way for others. Your unique perspective as a mechanical engineering major and Division I volleyball player makes you stand out, showcasing your leadership, discipline, and ability to excel under pressure. To keep growing and making your voice heard, focus on building your technical skills through hands-on projects, internships, and competitions that match your interests. Engaging in mentorship and community-building is important—seek out organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the National GEM Consortium Fellowship Program (GEM Fellowship), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), among others. These groups offer scholarships, resources, and networking opportunities that can help you move forward in your career.
As you move ahead in your field, take the chance to show your leadership in engineering by mentoring peers, managing projects, and guiding teams. In sports, keep leading by example, fostering teamwork, and supporting teammates through challenges. During internships, look for roles where you can manage tasks and influence outcomes—this will show your ability to take charge in real-world situations. Also, participating in meetings, conferences, and local community events will expand your network and provide new insights into your field. Keep pushing forward, continue learning, and never underestimate the impact you're already making. You're on the right track!
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Ligia’s Answer
Natalie,
You sound very impressive! To be an athlete competing at that level takes a lot of time, so hopefully it does not curtail your academics. You have selected a challenging area of mechanical engineering and keeping your grades up may become a challenge. Your grades and seeking an internship could influence your future position out of college. Identifying your skills and results you provided will be value-added when interviewing for future positions.
Leaders look for leaders who can bring results to the table and identify what a team has accomplished. I believe your voice will be heard when you demonstrate results and keeping a team motivated. You probably experience that in your sports challenges so you may be well on your way.
Wish you much success!
You sound very impressive! To be an athlete competing at that level takes a lot of time, so hopefully it does not curtail your academics. You have selected a challenging area of mechanical engineering and keeping your grades up may become a challenge. Your grades and seeking an internship could influence your future position out of college. Identifying your skills and results you provided will be value-added when interviewing for future positions.
Leaders look for leaders who can bring results to the table and identify what a team has accomplished. I believe your voice will be heard when you demonstrate results and keeping a team motivated. You probably experience that in your sports challenges so you may be well on your way.
Wish you much success!
Updated
Casandra’s Answer
Even though we all wish it didn't exist, people have biases no matter where you work. With that said - in seeking your overall goal "...to use engineering to make an impact, representing black women in STEM and proving what leadership looks like in science and sports." bring your authentic self with you to be impactful and prove what leadership looks like; "Your authenticity is the heart of your power". The secret to growing your power will be to give it away by empowering others. Be willing to take risks and be fearless: "Fear has no place in your success equation". Don't worry about making mistakes along the way, they happen to everyone - It's all in the recovery; "Get the blessing of the lesson and move on".
To ensure your voice is heard and valued, that all comes with TRUST. It is something that builds slowly, but can be destroyed in an instant.
TRUST = COMPETENCE + CHARACTER
"Leaders who admit their mistakes put their companies' values into action." Be a role model by working hard, protecting values, and making the same sacrifices that you ask of others.
"Leaders who have trustworthy character demonstrate integrity."
If you hold yourself to high moral standards, you'll reap powerful benefits both in your science career, sports career, and in your personal life.
We have two ears and one mouth... make sure before you speak to be heard, that you have done twice the amount of listening to others, so that your voice will be valued.
Also be mindful of not being stuck with the mindset of "My work will show what I can do and take me where I want to go". Don't get me wrong, teamwork and hard work definitely help you get noticed. However, be clear (not in an arrogant way, be direct with kindness) about your expectations in your career; "you don't ask, you don't necessarily get".
In addition, be willing to step up & do something no one else is doing, but someone needs to do. Lastly, always be willing to learn... even when you get to the top.
Wishing you all the best.
To ensure your voice is heard and valued, that all comes with TRUST. It is something that builds slowly, but can be destroyed in an instant.
TRUST = COMPETENCE + CHARACTER
"Leaders who admit their mistakes put their companies' values into action." Be a role model by working hard, protecting values, and making the same sacrifices that you ask of others.
"Leaders who have trustworthy character demonstrate integrity."
If you hold yourself to high moral standards, you'll reap powerful benefits both in your science career, sports career, and in your personal life.
We have two ears and one mouth... make sure before you speak to be heard, that you have done twice the amount of listening to others, so that your voice will be valued.
Also be mindful of not being stuck with the mindset of "My work will show what I can do and take me where I want to go". Don't get me wrong, teamwork and hard work definitely help you get noticed. However, be clear (not in an arrogant way, be direct with kindness) about your expectations in your career; "you don't ask, you don't necessarily get".
In addition, be willing to step up & do something no one else is doing, but someone needs to do. Lastly, always be willing to learn... even when you get to the top.
Wishing you all the best.
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
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Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Your color, beliefs and political leanings have no bearing on the quality of work you bring to the table. If anything, you can actually isolate yourself from others walking in with such a guarded stance of separation.
I won’t share with you the trials and tribulations of this South Bronx street kid who has done very well in both Business, Technical & Entertainment environments. My success was in my actions, my ability to respect the individuals for each of their contributions to my personal education within the field I jumped into. Treating each person like a family friend sharing a specific goal, team success. I guess my time in serving in the USMC helped me lose the tiny poor me box I have grown up in back in the ghetto days. But no person of any difference, who is successful today has ever had a free and clear fight to the top. We all have the typical jealousies, covert actions against us, and simplistic whispers for those who will hold unimportant stereotypes against us. That’s not your problem so leave it home. Be the best you can be and use facts and performance to state your case for growth. Don’t do to anyone what you obviously fear will be done to you. There will be knuckleheads yes, but don’t you become one of them. We all have something to contribute to help us better be! Use your God given personality to unite and not divide. For leadership is earned when climbing to the top. Once you reach it, look behind you and if no one is there with you, then you have failed.
I won’t share with you the trials and tribulations of this South Bronx street kid who has done very well in both Business, Technical & Entertainment environments. My success was in my actions, my ability to respect the individuals for each of their contributions to my personal education within the field I jumped into. Treating each person like a family friend sharing a specific goal, team success. I guess my time in serving in the USMC helped me lose the tiny poor me box I have grown up in back in the ghetto days. But no person of any difference, who is successful today has ever had a free and clear fight to the top. We all have the typical jealousies, covert actions against us, and simplistic whispers for those who will hold unimportant stereotypes against us. That’s not your problem so leave it home. Be the best you can be and use facts and performance to state your case for growth. Don’t do to anyone what you obviously fear will be done to you. There will be knuckleheads yes, but don’t you become one of them. We all have something to contribute to help us better be! Use your God given personality to unite and not divide. For leadership is earned when climbing to the top. Once you reach it, look behind you and if no one is there with you, then you have failed.
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Laurel’s Answer
This is a great question and you'll already go in a step ahead by asking it now. The most practical advice I can give you will be to find and make allies on all of your teams. This can be crucial in meeting spaces and when decisions are being made. You can do all the work, verify all your research, and have it laid out better than everyone else but unfortunately it doesn't always make a difference when someone doesn't want to give your voice weight. I've found that when I have people in my group who will chime in and back me up, it makes a world of difference. Once you've built up that trust that you know what you're doing and can back it up with successes, it should hopefully get easier to be heard. All the best! We need more women of color in STEM!
Women in STEM have a pretty high burnout rate because of this very topic, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see those stats go up even more in more marginalized groups. When you're first entering the field, I'd be conscious of who is interviewing you. If they're already talking over you or dismissing you, it probably won't be better in the role. Look for the teams that give you a good impression from the start. It's so important to interview them as much as they're interviewing you.
Women in STEM have a pretty high burnout rate because of this very topic, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see those stats go up even more in more marginalized groups. When you're first entering the field, I'd be conscious of who is interviewing you. If they're already talking over you or dismissing you, it probably won't be better in the role. Look for the teams that give you a good impression from the start. It's so important to interview them as much as they're interviewing you.