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Engineering Her Future: Women in Science
A powerful reminder that success is about daring to embrace your passions, navigate obstacles, and carve a unique way forward. We spotlight the encouraging journey of Kristina Naumovska, a mechanical engineer at Safran Federal Systems.
As we celebrate National Women and Girls in Science Day on February 11th, Kristina’s path is one to inspire women and girls who dream of making a mark in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) world.
A Career Meant For Her
Kristina’s journey to becoming a mechanical engineer was not a straightforward one but it serves as a testament to the fact that life often takes un in unexpected directions. In our conversation with her, we learned that her early struggles did not deter her from pursuing a career in STEM but instead drove her to explore a different route.
"I originally wanted to pursue a career in dentistry, but I struggled with biology. However, I enjoyed my other science courses and was especially good at math. My mom was a mechanical engineer as well, so I figured it might be in my blood. I decided to give that a shot instead, I’m happy I did!"
Looking at things differently, Kristina didn’t let her struggle discourage her from going after what was a possibility to create a rewarding career path for herself. Those stepping stones allowed her to discover her true calling.
Overcoming Obstacles
As a young woman in a male-dominated field, Kristina struggled with raising questions when confused. Through the great surroundings of amazing people who lifted her up and advocated for her voice to be heard, she realized how her fear held her back.
"Going through college and my first internship, I would struggle speaking up when I was confused or had questions to avoid looking unintelligent. I realized quickly that this mindset wouldn’t get me far, and that I’m not expected to know everything. I’m thankful I had great professors, coworkers and leaders that made it clear that no question is a silly one."
Kristina’s experience speaks to a broader issue many women face in STEM: to silence oneself out of fear of judgment. Yet, she emphasizes that asking questions to seek clarity is essential for success. It helps contribute to the advancement of both you and the team.
A Look Towards the Future
Looking toward the future of STEM, she is excited about the connection of artificial intelligence (AI) and product design.
“This breakthrough can aid engineers in generating designs in CAD and minimize error.”
Her enthusiasm for AI reflects the excitement many in the field feel about the continuous reshaping of the future of science and engineering. Women in STEM have the opportunity to be at the forefront of these developments, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table.
Inspiring Future Generations
Kristina’s story is not just about her personal success—it’s about paving the way for future generations of women in science. As more women join the world of STEM professionals, they not only break down the barriers for themselves but also inspire young girls to pursue their passions in the field.
Are you up for the challenge? The world of science is waiting for you to make your mark!
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