Women In Engineering: A new engineering club promoting women-led positions in the engineering field

During dinner, sophomore Ana Pyakural sat with her dad talking about her future plans involving her interest in engineering at SM East. She then found the perfect way to spark her interest in engineering: making a club. She couldn’t do it alone, so she asked her friend sophomore Katie Robinett to help her start her club.

That’s when the concept of Women in Engineering Club evolved.

Women in Engineering is a month-old club that promotes the growth of women in the engineering field through guest speakers and engineering projects.

“In my engineering class, there are only two girls, including me,” Ana said. “It sucks, but our club gives women more of a chance to join engineering and contribute to the growth of women in the field.”

Both Ana and Katie have had a passion for engineering since they went to elementary school together. They both enjoy math and science, and engineering is surrounded by those topics. Katie’s parents and Ana’s dad also influenced them through their jobs as engineers.

“We were both thinking of things that would be part of our interests and motivate us,” Katie said. “Both of us want to go into engineering, so by creating the club, we can both have a different experience with it and shine a different light.”

The club will have monthly meetings in the library, starting on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Ana and Katie will bring snacks to enjoy. They also invited Katie’s mom, Kim Robinett, as a guest speaker to speak at their first meeting.

Kim, an electrical engineer and owner of an engineering firm, Trekk Design Group, will talk about her experience as an engineer and to inspire female students at SM East to join the field.

“I want to share my stories, because for people to see a path, it helps to see how other people got there,” Kim said. “It’s helpful to see that you don't have to know what you want to do right now, but to be open and explore and learn about all the different careers engineering can offer.”

Ana and Katie couldn’t form their club on their own, so they offered Susan Hallstrom, their honors chemistry teacher, a position as their club sponsor. 

“I was pleased that somebody was thinking ahead of this.” Susan said. “I was impressed that the girls wanted to do this and I was honored they asked me.”

From long presentations to last minute signatures, Susan encouraged Ana and Katie’s formation of their innovative club.

“She helped us complete all of the forms and signatures.” Katie said. “She supported us every day, and this club wouldn’t be formed without her.”