When I was in high school a friend of my mother’s explained the different areas of engineering to me. She said that an industrial engineer is a people person. I was shy at the time, so I didn’t think that could be me. Then I went to a 3-day workshop designed to introduce women to engineering. During the industrial engineering portion of the camp I learned how to program a robot so that it could move on its own…and I was hooked. At UWM I came out of my shell, and got over my shyness. During college I received an internship with Harley-Davidson. It was so much fun to come to work every day and see an engine built. I continued working with Harley-Davidson after graduation, and now I am an Industrial Engineer on the Middleweight Engine Assembly Line. I’m responsible for things such as how many engines the assembly line can make per day, the safety of the operators, and the quality of the processes.

What I thought the first time I visited UWM: It was a hidden treasure. Milwaukee was not as big as Chicago, but it was still a city. When I walked on campus I felt like I belonged.

One of my favorite experiences as an intern: I started as an intern at Harley-Davidson in 2002, when they were making the 100th anniversary engines. I gave tours of the facility to people from all over the world. I felt like a celebrity.

Advice for anyone starting college: Get involved. Joining the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) made my college experience so much fun, and offered connections that I will need throughout my career. Today I’m involved in the Professional Chapter of SWE.  

Something unique about industrial engineers: They need to step back and keep the big picture in mind. I work and collaborate with all different levels of people in the corporation on a daily basis to get my job done.