Women in Technology, a panel comprised of leading women in the engineering and technology field spoke to an engaged audience Tuesday as part of HCC’s ongoing STEAM Fest.

Moderated by Professor of Mathematics and Engineering Stella Litwinowicz, the panel was comprised of Sue Burzynski, Lead Industrial Engineer for the Rotor Assembly at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Meghan Pimenta, Lead Coordinator in the Dynamic Components Products Center at Sikorsky, and Katrina Stein, Operations Project Manager at Sikorsky.

When asked about their respective academic turned professional careers, the women gave insight about the adversities and the lessons learned on the road to their current positions.  

“Interning really taught me how to work,” said Stein. “It took me six years to finish college at the University of South Florida but I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Having the experience of going to school full-time while balancing a part-time job and the struggles that come along with just trying to make it through are just as essential as your degree.”

Burzynski spoke of how the landscape in engineering has changed and adapted over the years.

“The field is much different socially,” said Burzynski. “There are a lot more women now, including our C.E.O. (Lockheed Martin’s Marillyn Hewson). There really isn’t a stigma anymore like the old days.”  Burzynski also spoke of the joy she still gets on the job, such as making a floor worker a new motor to make his or her job easier and more efficient. “It’s always rewarding when you make someone’s life easier.”

Pimenta, a recent graduate of the University of Bridgeport, discussed why conflict “gives you a good framework” of what needs to be accomplished. Pimenta also told guests of the importance of sticking to school. “Whatever happens in your professional life, you will always have that degree,” Pimenta said. “They can never take your education and hard work away from you.”

Day three of STEAM Fest continues at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Beacon Hall Events Center