In Celebration of International Women in Engineering Day 2026
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? – Rebecca Volk
From an early age, my mother always ensured that her daughters were confident, capable and talented in the fields of math and science. In my senior year of high school, I was encouraged by my exceptional physics teacher to explore STEM-based university courses. The support from both my family, particularly my mother, who is an electrical engineer and my teacher led me to the path of studying and completing a chemical engineering degree. My favourite aspects of my degree were the hands-on research experience, which led me to continue to work in that field.
How can we encourage the future generation of females to become engineers?
I believe it starts from an early age. Encouraging young girls at home to play with building blocks can spark ideas and curiosity. Let them explore engineering through building and problem-solving in what they engage with. It is important to be exposed to this thinking in preschool and in early learning environments, and let them know that engineering is an option. Too often, engineering is only introduced to young children through family members who work in the field. By showing them clear pathways into the industry and getting schools on board, we can better encourage more females in the industry.
What inspires me to work in the field of R&D – Emma L. Cedillo Saucedo
I was exposed to R&D early on with my engineering degree. I was fascinated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact on society through innovation and technological advancements. I became very passionate about discovery and exploration, and the challenge of solving complex problems. It is incredible to see the possibilities that came from pushing the boundaries of science.
What are your thoughts on the future of engineering?
Engineering is shifting from isolated problem-solving to complex, multi-site innovation. The companies and teams that prioritise diverse talent will see a direct impact on their baseline – because varied perspectives inherently lead to better risk management and higher efficiency.
How can we encourage the future generation of females to become engineers?
Bridging the gap between creativity and technical skills should start early. Let’s encourage young girls by framing engineering as the ultimate toolkit to change the world, and by creating supportive networks where their curiosity is celebrated, not sidelined. We should be making the invisible visible by showing that engineering isn’t just abstract math but hands-on creation, problem-solving, and leadership. When they can see women leading teams and running global operations, they’ll know they can do it too.
