Tomorrow is Introduce A Girl To Engineering Day! Typically, Engineering is an industry influenced by males. Introduce A Girl To Engineering Day reminds us to encourage girls to consider a career in the engineering field. Engineering requires a creative mind and intelligence, which is why women should not be forgotten when it comes to this inventive discipline.
Today, we would like to shine the spotlight on Jessica Raposa, Westinghouse Water Heating's one and only woman engineer! Jessica has been with Westinghouse Water Heating from the inception, and continues to make us proud with her high efficiency heating creations!
"Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, and don’t let being in a male-dominated field intimidate you. Be confident!" - Jessica Raposa, Westinghouse Water Heating
Check out this Q&A we had with Jessica!
Q: When did you decide to become an engineer?
A: My junior year of high school
Q: What college/university did you attend?
A: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Q: What made you interested in engineering?
A: My love for Rollercoasters and Walt Disney World is what drove me to go into Engineering. While growing up throughout middle school & high school I played this one game, Roller Coaster Tycoon, where all I used to do was design roller coasters for my imaginary theme parks. And while growing up taking vacations to Walt Disney World, seeing all the engineering detail that has gone into those parks inspired me to become an engineer.
Q: What was the first product you engineered?
A: The first product I ever engineered was a team effort with my Senior Design Engineering Team at UMASS Dartmouth. We designed and built a Tensile Testing Machine for use in one of the labs.
Q: What products have you helped engineer at Westinghouse Water Heating?
A: Westinghouse Commercial Gas Water Heater and a couple of parts in the Westinghouse Residential Gas Water Heater.
Q: What is your favorite part of working as an engineer at Westinghouse Water Heating?
A: My favorite part of working as an engineer at Westinghouse Water Heating is being part of such a great team of individuals. We all work great together as a group to overcome any challenges and never hesitate to help each other out. We encourage each other to do our best every day!
Q: What is your advice for other girls attempting to become an engineer?
A: Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, and don’t let being in a male-dominated field intimidate you. Be confident!
