Redefining the Blueprint: Helping Women Rise in STEM
At 24, I began my career as a mechanical engineer in the design and construction industry. Early on, I was sent to a job site to inform the general contractor that the water line needed to be upsized. Although I had not designed the system, I understood the issue and arrived prepared to communicate the necessary change. Before I could explain my purpose, the contractor looked at me and asked if I was there to make a delivery. The exchange that followed was tense and challenging; every point I made was questioned, and my credibility was continuously tested. Eventually, after reviewing the documentation, he agreed with the correction and apologized for his behavior.
His reaction, though disappointing, did not surprise me. In both high school and college, teachers had urged me to pursue another field. I earned every grade through determination and persistence, and while their doubts were discouraging, they reinforced my commitment to engineering. I knew that moment on the job site would be only the first of many times I would have to assert my knowledge. Over the next twenty years, I faced many similar moments. While I could easily fill a book with those experiences, I could just as easily fill one with the rewarding achievements of my career. The opportunity to design mechanical systems for buildings throughout Colorado and beyond was profoundly rewarding, and I took great pride in the quality and impact of my work.
After two decades in the industry, I paused to consider whether I wanted to spend the next twenty years on the same path. I felt grateful for my career, yet increasingly compelled to support young women who might face the same doubts and barriers I had encountered. I knew that if I could succeed in engineering, despite the discouragement and challenges, so could the next generation of women. They deserved guidance, encouragement, and a clear sense that their talents and perspectives are needed in STEM fields.
This conviction led me to found STEMblazers in 2016. My goal was to create a program that allows girls to explore STEM careers, connect them with industry role models, and see firsthand what is possible. I wanted them to understand the various pathways to success, recognize their own potential, and build the confidence to pursue opportunities they might not otherwise consider. I also wanted them to be prepared and not intimidated when they encountered challenges. They deserve to walk into classrooms, workplaces, and leadership roles knowing they have earned their place.
Over the past decade, the work accomplished through STEMblazers has been both meaningful and inspiring. The organization has grown through the dedication of countless women who share a commitment to supporting young women. Their mentorship, leadership, and passion have built a community I wish I had when I began my own career, one that many women have said they wish they had as well.
I am profoundly grateful for everyone who has contributed to this mission. Together, we have created a supportive network that helps girls gain confidence, envision their futures, and pursue careers in STEM with purpose and determination. As we look ahead, we remain committed to elevating the next generation of young women and ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive in the STEM fields that will shape our future.
-Wendy M.
