What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

I grew up in an environment that wasn’t particularly tech-savvy, and I wanted to be the change. I hoped that by stepping into this space, I could rewrite the story—not just for myself, but for those around me, especially my sister. To a certain degree, I believe I achieved this. Today, my sister is a Data Scientist. While it’s possible this was always meant to be her path, I truly believe I played a part in shaping her journey and showing her what was possible.

What challenges have you overcome on your career path so far?

Without getting into specifics, the biggest challenge I’ve faced is feeling like I constantly have to prove myself before people believe I can do the job. Over time, this led to battling imposter syndrome. While I have found ways to push back against that voice that occasionally tells me I’m not good enough, navigating it isn’t always easy. But I’ve learned to stand firm, trust in my abilities, and let my work speak for itself.

What message would you like to pass on to young women who want to pursue a career in STEM?

To every young woman pursuing a career in STEM: the ground is leveled for you, and this space is yours too. Your contributions, your voice, and your leadership are needed now more than ever. While progress has been made toward diversity in STEM, there’s still a long way to go. So don’t be discouraged if you walk into spaces that make you feel like you don’t belong—your presence is a powerful reminder of the work still to be done. Stand tall and lead with courage, and sometimes, that means speaking up even when your voice trembles.

Engineer Woman Award at HANNOVER MESSE