Breaking Barriers and Paving the Way: Inspiring Women in Engineering

23 June 2023

On International Women in Engineering Day 2023, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who have forged paths in the engineering industry, overcoming challenges and biases along the way.

In this blog, we share the insightful and empowering experiences of three exceptional women in engineering: Filiz Koc, Gizem Yetis, and Carmen Caballero, all of whom work at XYZ Reality. Their journeys highlight the determination, resilience, and passion that have propelled them to success in a traditionally male-dominated field. Their stories also shed light on the steps organizations can take to create a more inclusive and safe work environment for women in engineering.

Let's explore their inspiring narratives and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

Discovering a Passion

Filiz Koc
Software Engineer

Filiz traces her journey back to her early days in secondary school when she developed an interest in technology. Her enthusiasm for learning new technologies, coupled with her first computer, sparked a lifelong curiosity in the field.

Gizem Yetis
Senior Software Engineer

Gizem found her calling in engineering while studying Architecture. Through computational design and programming, she recognized the potential for automation to revolutionize the construction industry.

Carmen Caballero
Field Application Engineer

Carmen discovered her passion for engineering through her love for technical drawing and a fascination with enduring structures.

These women demonstrate that early interests can shape one's career path and pave the way for a fulfilling journey in engineering.

Navigating Challenges

The three women acknowledge the challenges and biases faced by women in a male-dominated industry. Filiz emphasizes the need to work hard and prove that females can be equally successful in the field. Gizem highlights the persistent prejudice that women encounter but stresses the importance of staying calm, advocating for professional performance-based evaluations, and never giving up. Carmen emphasizes the significance of maintaining a strong personality, self-belief, and physical fitness to thrive in the demanding construction environment. Their experiences inspire young women to navigate obstacles with confidence and perseverance.

“Perseverance and believing in yourself are key to the journey.”

Prioritizing Safety - #MakeSafetySeen

Safety is a paramount concern in engineering, and it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of all individuals in the workplace. This is especially significant for women in engineering, who may face additional challenges in male-dominated environments.

Carmen shares her significant contribution to ensuring safety during a Tunnelling Project in London. Despite challenging conditions, she prioritized the safety of her team and the prevention of damage to survey equipment. Her commitment to safety underscores the importance of making safety visible throughout projects, promoting a culture that values the well-being of all individuals involved.

Creating Inclusive Work Environments

In today's rapidly evolving world, it is more important than ever to foster inclusive work environments that empower and support women in engineering. By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in this field, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive innovation.

Filiz advocates for organizations to provide equal opportunities, benefits, respect, and dignity to all employees, eliminating gender discrimination. Gizem suggests adopting blind application processes to remove gender biases during hiring. Additionally, she emphasizes the value of educational involvement, encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams and showcasing that no gender is superior to another. Carmen believes that making women's voices heard and sharing empowering stories will increase women's engagement in engineering.

Unique Perspectives and Problem-Solving

The women reflect on how their unique perspectives as women in engineering contribute to problem-solving and innovation within the field. Filiz attributes her technical-mindedness and analytical skills as catalysts for positive problem-solving outcomes. Gizem emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and adopting a multi-faceted approach to find innovative solutions. Carmen's persistence and evidence-based approach allowed her to incorporate the latest survey technology into her projects, providing tangible proofs for engineers.

Embracing Opportunities and Overcoming Obstacles

Women in engineering often encounter unique obstacles on their career paths. However, by embracing opportunities and developing strategies to overcome these challenges, women can thrive in this dynamic field.

In terms of advice, Filiz urges young women to believe in themselves, work hard, be ambitious, remain curious, and never give up. Gizem encourages individuals to stay on track, believing in themselves even during challenging times. Carmen emphasizes that the engineering industry can be highly satisfying and encourages young women not to be scared.

“Do not be scared, it is a very satisfying industry.”

Technological Advancements

Technology has played a significant role in breaking barriers and empowering women in the engineering industry. Gizem highlights the power of the internet and online resources in breaking barriers for women in engineering. Access to online courses, inspirational talks, and articles has created opportunities for learning and growth, enabling women to expand their knowledge and skills.

The stories of Filiz Koz, Gizem Yetis, and Carmen Cabello exemplify the indomitable spirit of women in engineering. Their journeys inspire young women to pursue their passions, overcome obstacles, and contribute to the field through problem-solving and innovation. By implementing equal opportunities, fostering inclusive work environments, and leveraging technology, organizations can empower women in engineering to thrive and shape the future of the industry.

Let us celebrate International Women in Engineering Day 2023 by acknowledging the incredible achievements of these women and encouraging the next generation of female engineers to follow their dreams.

At XYZ Reality we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, providing equal opportunities for women to excel and contribute to revolutionary advancements in the engineering industry. Join us at XYZ Reality and be a part of shaping the future of engineering with your unique skills and perspectives: https://careers.xyzreality.com/