Pursuing a career in electrical engineering has been a journey of passion and perseverance, especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. From a young age, my mother — who also works in a male-dominated field — instilled in my sister and I a sense of strength and empowerment, encouraging us to confidently pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Marquette University has been instrumental in my journey, providing a supportive and inclusive environment that has empowered me to thrive. Despite the strong gender imbalance in electrical engineering, the Opus College of Engineering’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion has made me feel valued and supported. The faculty and my peers have always encouraged me to pursue my ambitions without hesitation.
One of the most transformative experiences during my time at Marquette was my co-op at Harley-Davidson. Working at such an iconic company, especially as a woman, has been both challenging and rewarding. The predominantly male environment at Harley-Davidson was intimidating, but my experiences at Marquette equipped me with the confidence and skills to navigate it successfully. Using the confidence my mother and my peers in engineering have taught me, I stepped confidently into my second rotation at Harley as the only female on the team. There were times when this was incredibly alienating, but Marquette Engineering taught me to seek out mentors and allies. This connected me with so many women within Harley who continue to lend their advice, expertise and strength.
The reactions from friends and family about my work at Harley-Davidson have been overwhelmingly positive. Many find it impressive and inspiring that I am breaking barriers in such a male-dominated industry. This support has further fueled my determination to excel and make a meaningful impact.
Marquette Engineering has played a crucial role in shaping my career goals and providing me with the tools to succeed in a challenging field. My co-op at Harley-Davidson was a defining experience that, with my experience at Marquette, has set me on a path to continue breaking down barriers for women in engineering. And to all women starting out in engineering: if you are intimidated, just remember that you have allies.
