June 23 is International Women in Engineering Day celebrating the growing number of women entering the field of engineering, as well as those accomplished professionals who have experience in the field.
We spoke to a few of our female engineers on our staff to learn more about them:
– Mary Atkins, P.E., C.P.E.S.C., LEED AP – Vice President in our Indianapolis office
– Jessica Johnson, E.I. – Project Manager in our Fort Wayne office
– Whitney Weidenbenner, E.I. – Project Engineer in our Indianapolis office.
What interested you in engineering?
Mary: Purdue’s Women in Engineering group visited my high school physics class and talked about engineering as a career. Just prior to that, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. When I had to dissect a frog in high school biology, I realized I could not operate on animals (yuck!). So, I pursued engineering instead.
Whitney: Weirdly enough, my local priest. He was on temporary assignment and was originally from Uganda and I was so fascinated with the way he talked about life in Uganda. Even though I was so young, it was when I realized that I really wanted to be involved with helping people have access to water. Later in life, the love for math and science evolved that goal into engineering reality!
Why do you enjoy working at Wessler?
Jessica: So many things – the clients, the people I work with, the family dynamic and the passion for what we do. I love working at Wessler and my position at the Fort Wayne office.
Whitney: I enjoy the people I get to work with here. I enjoy the unique and dedicated focus on a sustainable work-life balance and the clients we work with. Most of all, I enjoy knowing that I am appreciated and valued for the work I do.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Mary: I love cooking. I also like camping and being outdoors with my family.
Jessica: Taking my boys on adventures, working in my yard and updating my home.
Whitney: I coach travel volleyball for The Academy Volleyball Club - Indianapolis. I also love to cook, travel and cheer on my favorite sports teams.
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you?
Mary: It’s a day to recognize accomplishments of women engineers and to encourage young students to consider engineering as a career.
Jessica: I think it is about celebrating and acknowledging women engineers and encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM.
The Wessler Engineering team is proud to celebrate our own talented female engineers and all female engineers near and far as we congratulate them on making such an impact on the engineering industry!
Tags