EP#436: International Women in Engineering Day with Kaylan Smith and Laura Manley

In this special episode celebrating International Women in Engineering Day, hosts Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig are joined by Kaylan Smith, Lead Software Developer for Supply Chain and Finance at MacroFab, and Laura Manley, Product Manager for Marketplace & Factory Experience at MacroFab. They discuss their journeys into engineering, challenges faced, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the field. The episode highlights personal stories, experiences, and insights into how they navigated their careers and the future of women in engineering.

News/Announcements:

• June 23rd is International Women in Engineering Day.
• Kaylan and Laura share their professional journeys and roles at MacroFab.
• Discussion on the importance of diversity and inclusion in engineering.

Key Discussion Points:

• Kaylan and Laura’s educational backgrounds and paths to MacroFab.
• The impact of role models and mentorship in their careers.
• Challenges faced by women in engineering and how they overcame them.
• The importance of diversity and inclusion in the engineering sector.
• The role of product management and the shift from design to management.
• The differences in work culture and expectations in creative fields vs. engineering fields.
• The importance of process and validation in engineering work.
• Experiences with implicit biases and the need for more diverse role models in technology.
• The significance of having a supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Future trends and opportunities for women in engineering.
• Advice for young women aspiring to enter the engineering field.

Relevant Links:

• AnitaB.org: A global organization supporting women in technology.

Community Questions:

• What are your thoughts on the role of diversity and inclusion in engineering?
• How have role models or mentors influenced your career path?
• What challenges have you faced in your engineering journey and how did you overcome them?
• How do you see the future of women in engineering evolving?

MacroFab:

This show is brought to you by MacroFab, which provides a platform for electronics manufacturing services (EMS), hardware development, designing and prototyping for individuals, startups, and businesses. Key MacroFab services include PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fabrication, assembly, and testing. Customers can use MacroFab's platform to upload their PCB designs, select components, and specify manufacturing requirements.

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