From left to right: Mikayla D., Reliability Engineer, Jessie L., Product Engineer
and Clare T., Engineering Director - Home Improvement
There’s an engineer behind every innovation.
How do you make the impossible happen? For engineers, finding an answer to this question is part of the job. We want to create an environment where engineers can push boundaries, solve problems and develop their careers — not only as engineers but as leaders.
To learn more, we asked three of our engineers about their careers, experiences and the projects they’ve worked on at Stanley Black & Decker. Meet Mikayla, Jessie and Clare…
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you?
Mikayla D., Reliability Engineer: So many trailblazing women fought to give us a space in STEM and we need to recognize their efforts. We're still working to make engineering a welcoming and equitable field, and today is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and what we need to do to continue pushing forward.
Jessie L., Product Engineer: It’s a day about celebrating the hard work and dedication of women engineers and raising awareness for STEM education. But it also gives me a sense of belonging in this industry.
Clare T., Engineering Director - Home Improvement: It’s about recognizing that things are changing for the better. It provides an opportunity to share our experiences with younger engineers and encourage more women to pursue careers in this field.
What are some aspects of engineering you enjoy the most? What type of work do you do on a daily basis?
Mikayla: I’ve always found it exciting to think about how you can pick up any item and know an engineer was involved in creating it. Day-to-day, I test new products with reliability in mind. I love the hands-on experience I get with new products, watching them develop over time and seeing our users’ reactions to them.
Can you share more about the innovation that takes place at Stanley Black & Decker?
Clare: From a product perspective, we’re trying to develop innovative, complex features that will improve the user experience. The entire team is enthused by the challenge, and we’re working together to find creative solutions.
Tell us a bit about your workplace culture. What support have you received?
Jessie: I’ve always found Stanley Black & Decker to be an encouraging environment. I’ve received several opportunities to develop as a leader. Along with my time in the Stanley Black & Decker Leadership Program (SLP), I also serve as the chair of our Women’s Network of Taiwan Design Center branch. I get to hold sessions on diversity and gender equality and hone my leadership skills.
What advice do you wish to share with women at the beginning of their careers in engineering?
Mikayla: My advice is to reach out to women within your company and build a solid support group. It is easy to feel alone when you are the only woman on your team. But connecting with other women in the company has made me feel empowered, supported and let me know that I’m not alone.
Jessie: Be true to yourself. Learn as much as you can and obsess over the details. And remember that if you don’t know something, just ask!
Clare: Ask a lot of questions and learn as much as you can. But most importantly, don’t be afraid to have a voice or get involved. Believe in what you can achieve.