March marks Women’s History Month—a time to honor the trailblazing women who broke barriers, challenged norms, and paved the way for future generations. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the incredible women driving change and making an impact in their fields today.

In recognition of this important month, we connected with several inspiring women across our engineering functions to hear their unique perspectives. Here, they share their experiences, provide guidance to others looking to follow in their footsteps, and reflect on what this celebration means to them, both personally and professionally.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you, and how do you see it influencing the way we celebrate women in the workplace?

What inspired you to pursue your current career path, and how has your journey shaped your perspective as a woman in your field?

Sandy Wheary, Senior Development Technician: I have worked at Green Tweed for over 47 years. I started in the union, working in nearly every department in the plant. I went into supervision for a few years, followed by moving into a lab technician position in Central Engineering, M-TEC. I became a Process Engineering Technician after that, the position I hold today. All along the way, I always had ‘on the job training’, which was very hands-on. Each position gave me more experience that I could carry forward to the next one.

Lindsay: I decided that engineering was the career path for me very early in my school years. Math and science were always my favorite and best classes growing up, but I knew I didn’t want to be a scientist or mathematician. My dad was an engineer to begin his career, and it seemed like the perfect medium to combine what I liked. My parents were very supportive of me and never questioned if it would be right for me. I was also encouraged to take the technology classes in high school, where, by junior year, I was one of two girls in my class. Our teachers encouraged all of us equally to learn how to use equipment ranging from band saws to MIG welders to CNCs and 3D printers. I was never told that I couldn’t do something just because I was a girl.

Sehar: I have always been interested in STEM, particularly engineering, and when it came time to choose a discipline, I gravitated toward chemical engineering because of my love for chemistry. I was told this was a male-dominated industry and that I should be prepared to face challenges—which only motivated me more. I love a good challenge. During school and my internship, I saw firsthand that while the industry is male dominated, there is space for women. At my internship, I was the only female engineer on my team and on the floor. It felt unusual, even isolating at times, but I didn’t let that hold me back. With a strong work ethic and the guidance of a supportive mentor, I was able to carve out my own place. That experience taught me that anyone can thrive with the right mentorship, opportunities to grow, and diligence. Now, I hope to provide that same mentorship to young women in their early careers and help create an environment where we don’t just find a place, we belong.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry, and how have you overcome them?

Molly: One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming stereotypes and biases that often underestimate women in engineering roles. There were times when I had to work harder to prove myself in environments where my male counterparts' expertise was simply accepted. I overcame this by consistently demonstrating my expertise, building my confidence, and seeking out mentors who supported my development. Over time, I realized that being a woman in this industry gives me a distinct voice and perspective—one that is essential for driving innovation and growth. –

Lindsay: In this industry, I learned that as a woman in engineering, you have to surround yourself with people who will support you, stand up for you, and encourage you. Having that backing gives additional strength to advocate and stand up for yourself. Women who have been through similar challenges will often have advice on how they approached the challenge and what they would do differently. So I learned from others and their techniques to work through it.

What advice would you give young women aspiring to enter your field?

Sandy: Listen and learn everything you can. We need to keep learning and be open to change. Communication is key. Question things if we are unsure about them or don’t know the answers.

Sehar: Don’t be intimidated to take your seat at the table—your voice and perspective matter. The women before you have paved the way, but it’s up to you to continue the journey, ensuring that those who come after you not only have a seat but are empowered to lead. Remember, we bring a unique blend of skills, including emotional intelligence—an invaluable asset in leadership and teamwork. While technical skills can be learned, emotional intelligence allows us to connect, lead with empathy, and drive meaningful change.

Lindsay: The first piece of advice I would give to any young woman hoping to become an engineer: DO IT. It’s going to be scary at times, and it’s going to be hard at times. But it is so worth it. Find your voice early, learn how to advocate for yourself and others. Find your allies who will stand up for you, and you can stand up for them. The more you know, the less people will question you or challenge you unfairly because they don’t have any ground to stand on. It’s going to be hard and there will be days when you don’t know if you can push forward and push through it. But once you get to the other side, you’ll realize you are a stronger engineer and a better person because of it. You can do it.

Molly: Never underestimate your abilities and seek out mentors who can guide and support you. Like most things in life, the journey may not always be easy, but perseverance, continuous learning, and confidence will set you apart and take you far. Surround yourself with a strong network of people who encourage and challenge you to keep growing. Don’t let anyone else define your limits—you're capable of achieving everything you set your mind to, so dream big.