Team ADM's Women Engineers On Shaping the World

Leila Abdli, Quality Manager in Casablanca, Morocco

 

 

Can you tell us a little about why you decided to study engineering?

 

I knew pretty early on that I didn't want just any 9-5 career. I was looking for something where I could challenge myself, do something that not everyone was doing, and I also wanted to follow a technical career. Tech is, after all, the future! I got accepted in the engineering school in Rabat, which is very selective, only taking-in students with high grades, and obtained a degree in materials science and quality engineering.

 

 

Did you face any challenges in your career?

 

When I finished my studies, I started working in the construction industry, a traditionally male-dominated environment. I spent a lot of time in the field, visiting various construction sites, which really thrilled me. In the beginning, I sometimes felt that it was quite difficult to be accepted as a women in the field who manages technical projects, and remember seeing the look of surprise on people's faces when they realized my capabilities. This only made me advance further ahead and believe more in my skills; I saw this as more of a challenge rather than a barrier, giving me energy and drive.

 

 

Have things changed a lot today?

 

Today, I would say that we are seeing empowered women at all levels, including leadership and technical roles. We need to encourage women to pursue careers at all levels of work, especially in male-dominated fields, as an alternative to more traditional, female-dominated roles. Having diversity and equal opportunities makes a more healthy, balanced and effective workplace.

 

Deeksha Yadav, Quality Assurance Manager in Dharwad, India

 

 

Tell me what is it you like the most about your role today?

 

I relish the fact that I'm a part of the process responsible for putting food on the shelves for the community. And I enjoy the scope and variety each day brings, working behind the scenes of the whole manufacturing process and ensuring that safe products are delivered to our customers.

 

 

How would you encourage women to become engineers?

 

Engineering is now a very normal career opportunity for women. I'm seeing more and more women in technical roles in our plants. If we want to see gender balance in these roles, we need to step up and bring action to the words "Don't be part of the change, be the cause of change."

I was part of a group of four people recruited by ADM, and I was the only woman. And today, I'm the last one still here! Perseverance is key.

 

May Li, Food Analyst Engineer in Tianjin, China

 

 

What would you say is your favorite thing about being an engineer?

 

There's nothing I like more than when each batch of products passes our tests on physicochemical and micro indexes. We provide customers with safe foods and that makes me proud. The recent COVID-19 pandemic brought on some new challenges, but we made it work, ensuring a continued supply to our customers. It was very much a team effort.

 

 

How do you think more young women can be encouraged to become engineers?

 

Engineers are made, not born. These roles are not exclusive to men. Women have just as much aptitude as men in these fields. I think women can, and should do, whatever they want. Just follow your dreams!

 

Preet Batra, Regional Electrical Engineer in India, and part of the COE Utilities team

 

 

Tell us a little about your journey at ADM as an engineer

 

I joined ADM three years ago, initially as a trainee before becoming a full-time engineer, managing electrical projects relating to safety and implementing new technology.

 

 

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to become engineers?

 

Take up the challenge, but be prepared to face some difficult struggles. This is not your average job; it's highly demanding, but the rewards are worth the effort. Every day is different, and you will constantly need to adapt to the situation and find a way of solving problems. You need to be a natural, solution-oriented type of person, curious and determined to find the solution.

 

Melissa Hahn, Plant Superintendent in Decatur, Illinois

 

 

How did you choose a career in engineering?

 

I truly enjoyed math, chemistry and physics in high school. At the time, my father was an operator at a brass plant near my hometown. He organized a lunch for several engineers — male and female — that worked in the plant to explain their roles and responsibilities. From that moment on, I knew I wanted a career in engineering.

 

 

How do you think more young women can be encouraged to become engineers?

 

Having STEM programs in schools is a great start, but it is also important for young girls to be introduced to women engineers and for teachers to help promote that engineering is an absolutely achievable and great career for women.

 

Juliana da Silva, Starch Commercial Development Manager in Oak Brook, Illinois, with a background as a food engineer

 

 

How has your engineering background benefited you in your current role?

 

In my role, I often have to work with multidisciplinary teams and my background has helped me to be able to speak the language of technical team members and understand what we are trying to do or what problem we are trying to solve. It also allows me to apply a strategic view and process-oriented mindset to building commercial strategies for food ingredients. It is like being the maestro of an orchestra.

 

 

How do you think more young women can be encouraged to become engineers?

 

Solving problems and helping others is an amazing gift that engineers bring to the world, and engineering is a great skill to learn, especially for young adults. Being an engineer has given me many possibilities to learn and grow in my career, and has taken me places that I never thought possible. I have met and worked with so many intelligent people that appreciate the diversity in thinking that women can bring to the table. Engineers are sometimes not given proper credit for their creativity, but for me, this is work that fuels my creative juices.