Shaina: The Full Interview
Shaina, you recently received a Diversity and Inclusion award. Can you talk about what the award is and how does receiving an award make you feel?
The Wichita Business Journal honors individuals or groups who have demonstrated respect and inclusive treatment for others and a commitment to the advancement of diversity in our community. It was an honor to be recognized along with so many other wonderful people for this award, and I am proud to be one of many supporting diversity and inclusion in Wichita.
How do you earn a diversity and inclusion award?
I was nominated for this award by my employer, Textron Aviation, for my commitment to the acceptance and advancement of women engineers in our community and industry and my involvement with SWE working to encourage young women to consider careers in engineering. It is important to respect everyone, embrace our differences, and advocate for underrepresented groups.
Where can I go learn more about the award?
To learn more about the award, you can visit the WBJ website. You can read more about each of the 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Awards Honorees at this link.
Why is diversity and inclusion important? Why is it important in STEM career fields?
Diversity and inclusion help to bring unique perspectives, ideas, and experience together in a collaborative way. When people feel respected and free to voice their ideas, a team performs better. This is very important in STEM career fields, where new and innovative ideas are needed constantly to improve or develop new technology.
How do you think we can become more diverse in STEM career fields?
It is important to inspire and empower students to pursue the things that interest them. Unfortunately, many young students get the impression that they can’t do something because it’s “too hard” or “for men” or “for women”. But no one should be intimidated away from exploring certain career paths whether that’s being a Doctor, an Engineer, a Nurse, or something else entirely.
How can I help promote diversity and inclusion in my home life or at school?
Keep in mind that everyone has different experiences and sees things differently. Listen to others, include them in your discussions, and be open to new ideas. No one should be singled out or bullied for being different. Be accepting, and a unique perspective could help to teach you something new or give you a new idea to approach a problem that you’ve been having.
How does Expo promote diversity and inclusion?
Engineering Expo showcases all kinds of fun examples of how engineering is applied in the world – from computers to robots to bridges to airplanes and more – and is a free event that is open to everyone! We hope to inspire the next generation without barriers, and to show all students some of the potential career paths in STEM fields and how fun they can be.
Will I see you at EXPO 2020?
Absolutely! The last couple years I have worked as the Venue Chair, coordinating with Century II to get everything set up and in the right place for the activities, and helping to ensure things run smoothly on the day of Expo which is so much fun! This year I am the Materials Chair, so I’ll be helping to collect all kinds of fun supplies for the activities at Expo 2020.