Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day with Jacobs STEAM Superstars

What does International Women In Engineering Day (INWED) mean to you?

Chelsea: INWED is an important day to recognize and celebrate women in engineering and the vital role we play in advancing STEAM fields, as well as acknowledging that further progress is needed to remove barriers and create an environment where women can thrive in engineering careers.

Karina: It’s an excellent opportunity to see how much the world has changed over the years. Thanks to days like INWED that spotlight the important role women play in engineering and other STEAM fields, we can help young girls see themselves in STEAM and believe in their abilities. 

Monica: It’s a day to celebrate statistically improbable engineers—people who’ve been told, “maybe this isn’t for you,” but kept pursuing a career they’re passionate about and actively changed the workforce for the better just by being a part of it.

Friba: INWED highlights the importance of diversity in engineering and recognizes the innovative work that women engineers are doing to enhance our daily lives and build a brighter future. It also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the underrepresentation of women in engineering. By celebrating this day, we’re helping inspire a new generation of women and girls to see engineering as a viable and exciting career option.

Why are you involved with STEAM?

Monica: I had no idea what engineering was until I was 17 years old and choosing my major for college. I was from a family where both parents had minimum-wage jobs and we had no family members who had professional careers. I want other kids in similar positions like I was in—students of color, girls, students from low-income families and students who are first-generation college bound—to know that if I can do it, they can do it better because they’re learning about engineering and STEAM much earlier in life than I did. 

Chelsea: I'm passionate about opening young people’s minds to a world of opportunity and inspiring the next generation of STEAM professionals to create an industry as diverse as the communities we’re creating solutions for.

Friba: My advocacy for STEAM is borne out of passion for the field—I truly believe we can create a more inclusive, innovative and interconnected world through the power of STEAM. I’m motivated to carry out STEAM initiatives to inspire the next generation, promote diversity, foster gender equity and enhance networking and global connectivity. 

Karina: As a young girl facing a career choice, I didn’t know what a career in engineering would look like—and I don’t want other girls to have this same experience today. I’d like them to know that being an engineer gives you so much opportunity and allows you to experience a fulfilling career.

What would your advice be to young women considering a career in STEAM?

Karina: Never let someone else write the script for you—follow your dreams and be the hero of your own life. You should never be afraid to believe in yourself!

Friba: Explore your interests and dive into different areas of STEAM to find what truly excites you and pursue it. STEAM fields are constantly evolving so keep learning and stay updated with the latest developments and technologies. Perseverance is key—learn from failures and keep moving forward.

Chelsea: Seek out mentors and role models who can offer guidance, support and inspiration, and connect with women who have paved the way in your field of interest. 

Monica: Absolutely go for it. Just by being you, you have a superpower that’s positively impacting the STEAM workforce—a workforce that sorely needs you. Ask all the questions you can and stay curious and excited, because this energy you have will help you propel through the challenges you may face throughout your studies and career. 

What's one thing you wish people knew about STEAM?

Monica: It’s challenging but not an impossibly difficult career that’s actually very fun! Also, that people who are in STEAM are generally not geniuses, but are people who know how to ask for help, don’t give up, work together and work hard.

Chelsea: A lot of stereotypes around STEAM focus on the technical side of things rather than the impact. Through a career in STEAM, you can be part of improving quality of life for communities and the environment, and creating meaningful change for a more sustainable future for all.

Karina: Being active in STEAM gives you great satisfaction and a sense of purpose from the positive impact you create—not only by developing solutions for a better tomorrow but also inspiring the next generation. 

Friba: Pursuing a career in STEAM opens the door to global connectivity. It not only increases the likelihood of working on international projects but can also open up the opportunity to relocate, which can enrich your life with a diverse cultural experience.

What’s the best thing about working in STEAM?

Friba: It provides an immensely rich tapestry of career opportunities. The dynamic nature of the disciplines ensures that I never feel stagnant, as there’s always something new and exciting to work on.

Karina: The opportunity to help the next generation discover the world of engineering and other STEAM subjects—the endless smiles they have when they complete a challenge are second to none!

Monica: I absolutely love that I can wake up in the morning knowing I’m helping both society and the environment through the positive impacts my work has. STEAM is a professional puzzle-solving career that you can pursue for your entire working life and don’t have to grow out of.

Chelsea: Every day I get to learn something new while working with wonderful people on projects that make a positive difference in the world.