Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Significance of International Women in Engineering Day
- Teresa Gobble: From Psychology to Software Engineering
- Ciprianna Engel: Navigating New Territories with Persistence
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Imagine a world where innovation was hampered simply because half the population was underrepresented in one of the most transformative fields. This hasn't been just a thought experiment; it has been a historical reality in engineering. However, tides are changing, and women are continually making indispensable contributions, gradually bridging the gender gap in engineering. International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), celebrated annually on June 23, shines a spotlight on these efforts, calling upon the next generation to take their place in shaping our future.
In this blog post, we honor the journeys of two exceptional women engineers from WP Engine, Teresa Gobble and Ciprianna Engel, highlighting their paths, challenges, and triumphs in a field historically dominated by men. By delving into their stories, we aim to inspire and empower other women to pursue careers in engineering and tech, contributing to a more balanced and innovative world.
The Significance of International Women in Engineering Day
First observed in 2014 by the Women's Engineering Society, International Women in Engineering Day has since gained global recognition. This day celebrates the work and achievements of women engineers while also raising awareness about the persistent gender gap in the engineering sector. According to recent statistics, women and non-binary people comprise merely 16-21% of the engineering workforce. This day's celebration serves as both a recognition of progress and a call to action for more gender equity in engineering.
Teresa Gobble: From Psychology to Software Engineering
A Unique Career Shift
Teresa Gobble’s journey into engineering is nothing short of captivating. Initially pursuing a PhD in psychology, her role involved extensive quantitative research and statistical analysis. The analytical skills honed in psychology gradually led her toward a passion for coding languages such as R, SPS, and RStudio.
However, it was the pandemic that acted as a significant turning point for Teresa. With extra time on hand, she enrolled in Hack Reactor, a rigorous coding boot camp, which immersed her in an intense, yet rewarding, learning environment. This transition brought Teresa to WP Engine, where she leverages her unique background to bring diverse skills to her role as a Software Engineer.
Making an Impact Early On
One of Teresa’s most impactful projects came early in her engineering career, where she participated in a three-person team working on a neighborhood watch interface for the Chicago Police Department. This project utilized an Open API to visualize and sort various types of crime, which provided a valuable tool for improving community safety.
Challenges in a New Field
Transitioning from a field dominated by women to one where men are the majority presented unique challenges for Teresa. The gender ratio in engineering took some time to adjust to, and finding a peer group where she felt fully comfortable took longer than expected. Nevertheless, the presence of women in leadership positions at WP Engine has been a source of inspiration for Teresa, enabling her to envision herself in similar roles.
Advice to Aspiring Women Engineers
Teresa emphasizes the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome and starting the journey even if one doesn't feel entirely ready. She believes that waiting for the “perfect moment” can be a significant hindrance, and encourages young women to dive in and seize opportunities as they come.
Ciprianna Engel: Navigating New Territories with Persistence
An International Career Path
Ciprianna Engel, currently a Senior Software Engineer at WP Engine, began her journey with a B.A. in International/Global Studies and a Master’s Degree in International Relations. Her introduction to programming languages came through her graduate school projects. Like Teresa, Ciprianna also took a leap of faith by enrolling in a coding boot camp which provided her with the foundational skills necessary for an engineering career.
Real-World Applications
One of Ciprianna’s most fulfilling projects during her boot camp experience involved collaborating with a team to build operational websites for non-profits. This real-life application taught her the satisfaction of seeing a project from inception to completion, knowing it would be used to make a tangible difference.
Overcoming Gender Stereotypes
Earlier in her career, Ciprianna faced the challenge of being pigeonholed into frontend design work solely because she was the only woman on her team. While she enjoyed frontend development, she was determined not to be typecast and sought opportunities to work on backend programming as well. Over time, she has seen a positive shift where work allocation feels less gendered.
Encouragement for the Future
Ciprianna’s advice to young women considering engineering careers is to remain persistent and not let self-doubt consume them. She underscores that every engineer, regardless of gender, faces challenges and unfamiliar territory in their journey. Persistence, practice, and patience are key to overcoming these obstacles and succeeding in the field.
Conclusion
The stories of Teresa Gobble and Ciprianna Engel offer a glimpse into the transformative journeys women are making in engineering today. Their paths, while distinct, share common threads of resilience, determination, and a passion for making impactful contributions. As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, it is crucial to recognize not only the achievements of women engineers but also the continued need for greater gender diversity in the engineering workforce.
By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and innovative environment. The road to gender equity in engineering is long but filled with promising milestones, and every step taken is a step toward a brighter, more balanced future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Women in Engineering Day?
International Women in Engineering Day, celebrated annually on June 23, recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women engineers. It aims to raise awareness about the gender gap in engineering and inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in this field.
Why is gender diversity important in engineering?
Gender diversity brings a range of perspectives and ideas, fostering creativity and innovation in engineering solutions. A diverse workforce also reflects a more inclusive society where different experiences and viewpoints are valued.
How can women overcome barriers in engineering?
Women can overcome barriers in engineering by seeking out mentorship, joining supportive networks, and actively pursuing opportunities for skills development. Overcoming imposter syndrome and persisting despite challenges are also crucial strategies.
Are there effective ways to encourage young girls to pursue engineering?
Yes, encouraging young girls to pursue engineering can be achieved through early exposure to STEM subjects, providing female role models, and creating supportive learning environments that foster curiosity and confidence in their abilities.
