Empowering Women in STEM and Manufacturing

On June 21 at AWT’s Transformation Training Center in Mentor, Ohio, the AWT and SME initiative – EmpowerHer – continued with an in-person panel of leaders from various sectors to discuss empowering women in STEM as part of AWT’s "Summer Manufacturing Institute," a series of STEM-to-career summer camps tailored for 5th and 6th-grade students.

The event featured insightful discussions aimed at inspiring the next generation of female leaders. Teresa Simons, executive director of AWT, kicked off the event emphasizing the importance of AWT's partnership with SME and creating pathways to engineering careers. Sheronda Carr, vice president of Membership at SME, gave insights into SME’s mission to advance manufacturing technology and enhance the workforce pipeline, while emphasizing the critical role of partnerships with organizations like AWT in nurturing a diverse and inclusive manufacturing ecosystem. 

The leaders who participated in the panel discussion included: 

• Nicole Graf, an additive project engineer from Lincoln Electric, who shared her journey from a well-rounded student to pursuing a career in engineering, inspired by her early experiences with robotics. 

• Jamesa Stokes, a materials research engineer from NASA, who spoke about her unconventional path from studio art to physics and her rewarding experiences in materials research for flight vehicles. 

• Alyson Scott from Fredon and AWT, who discussed her transition from education to communications, and then to leading a family business in manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of finding passion and purpose in career choices. 

• The discussion was moderated by Jane Christyson from the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, who highlighted the Girl Scouts' focus on STEM through their upcoming STEM Center of Excellence.

The speakers shared personal stories and insights into their career paths, highlighting key moments that sparked their interest in STEM and manufacturing. Panelists also discussed overcoming challenges in male-dominated fields including overcoming stereotypes and navigating leadership roles.

Scott shared a memorable encounter with a difficult customer and how standing firm with her team reinforced her leadership. Stokes discussed the importance of learning to say no, particularly in managing professional commitments and avoiding burnout. They emphasized the value of setting boundaries and communicating effectively when declining tasks or meetings, especially during travel.

Each panelist reflected on how colleagues, particularly women in their division, also face similar challenges but benefit from a supportive environment that values open communication and mutual support in handling demanding situations.

Panelists also shared advice for future leaders in STEM. Graf encouraged aspiring engineers to embrace challenges and not shy away from opportunities. Scott emphasized the importance of internships and hands-on experiences in exploring career paths early. Christyson encouraged girls to explore STEM without fear of stereotypes, advocating for trying new things to discover their passions.

Valuable insights on STEM career development were shared, including

• learning the importance of pursuing opportunities,

• discovering key skills that distinguish them in the field,

• navigating diverse career pathways,

• understanding the breadth of job roles available, 

• ways to maximize their potential, and thriving in a competitive environment, and engaging in interactive panel discussions while connecting with industry experts. 

EmpowerHer inspired attendees with stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership in STEM and manufacturing. As the initiative continues to grow, it promises to empower more women to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions in STEM and manufacturing.

Watch the full panel discussion here: EmpowerHer: Navigating Pathways in STEM (youtube.com)