First McKenzie Women in Engineering Breakfast a Success

On Aprl 8, McKenzie Career Center hosted  a Women in Engineering Breakfast for eighth grade girls.  Girls were selected by their counselors in the middle schools based on their interest in science and/or math.  Female engineers from Rolls Royce, Roche Diagnostics and American Structurepoint were joined by McKenzie engineering students and alumni for a morning of networking.  Over a wonderful breakfast prepared by McKenzie’s Culinary Arts Program, the young ladies were treated to stories from more than a dozen engineers and engineering students.  Women with work histories from automotive, medical devices and structual engineering talked about their education and careers.

The program was opened by Meaghan Banks, who is a Lawrence Central senior and McKenzie biomedical student.  Meaghan welcomed everyone and told about her science and engineering journey through high school.   Meaghan has a full scholarship to IUPUI next year to study biomedical engineering.   Sydney Beavers talked about her high school efforts in engineering and technology.  Sydney has been accepted at both Rose Hulman and Purdue for the School of Engineering next fall.  Two Lawrence Township alumni also spoke.  Claire Larew came home from Rose Hulman to speak about her experiences.   Claire is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering.  Danielle Bell, Lawrence Central graduate, spoke about her co-op experience at Rolls Royce.  She is a sophomore at IUPUI in Mechanical Engineering.

Students returned to their home schools with a new understanding of the field of engineering and an enhanced appreciation of their math a science skills.  Every woman who spoke was engaging and identified with the girls as they work to figure out their future.  Many thanks to Rolls Royce who sponsored the breakfast.  We hope the make the breakfast an annual affair.