Member Insights: Susan Kolinski

Greetings, fellow SME colleagues and interested readers,

Membership in an organization is good; participation is better. When you combine that with engaged, committed teams that take action, you have a powerful group of people; you have SME. I am energized, inspired, and challenged by my time as a member of SME, especially serving as a representative on the SME Member Council for the past year. If you’re reading this, I bet you’re either already engaged and know exactly what I mean, or you’re eager to thrive and make a real impact in the world, just like I am.

This group has given me friendships, experiences, and insights far beyond the expectations of a professional membership association in a very short time. How is this possible, you may ask? Well, let me share a bit of my story with you.

My 30-year professional career has been a proverbial roller coaster—ups, downs, speeds, loops, and some serious twists that have made me laugh, cry, and even feel a little dizzy looking back. I love technology, learning new things, and ‘fixing,’ so being an engineer and moving into technical sales, I’ve been able to connect people, products, and concepts to drive improvements. There have been times when I felt very much alone, being the only woman in a room full of hundreds of male colleagues. Yet, moments later, all feels right with the world, and we’re just part of the same team.

So, what does this have to do with SME membership? Since joining, I’ve found like-minded people, inspiring ideas, and invaluable support. I’ve also encountered challenges that push me to grow, ensuring I never have to feel alone again. We share a common goal of making positive impacts not only in manufacturing as an industry but also for the people involved. I’ve built connections with people I can text or call, knowing they will provide honest feedback and sound advice. I will always cherish that.

I learn something new every time I read the SME Daily Executive Briefing emails, attend local chapter events, and don’t even get started on how much I enjoy the coffee chats and networking during industry events.

Leading the SMART Women in Manufacturing discussion panel at this year’s “Women of SMART Experience” was an incredible opportunity. Being on stage with Sirisha Kuchimanchi, Jennifer Coyne, Georgette Nelson, and Lisa Masciantonio, I was inspired by their stories of resilience and awed by their accomplishments. While some stories of struggle were saddening, I was moved by the powerful advice we collectively shared with attendees. I’m hopeful for the future, knowing that with panelists like these and events like this, young people won’t be discouraged from pursuing engineering and solving the world’s problems—they’ll know there is support and a path forward with SME engagement.

Being surrounded by people who inspire and challenge me to be better drives me to try even harder. I hope that not only individuals volunteer, but that companies see the value of SME corporate memberships, spreading camaraderie, support, networking, and knowledge-sharing across their teams and the industry.

There is so much positivity and information sharing within SME that there isn’t enough time in the day to take advantage of it all, but I challenge you to try.