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Why did you choose Engineering as a career field?
Being in Engineering for me is fortuitous and I have loved it every step of the way. At an early age, my mom had encouraged me to go into medicine because she is a retired nurse but it was not for me. At first, I wanted to be a librarian – because I am passionate about books; then a psychologist – because I was intrigued by the human mind, I still am; and then again, an actuarial scientist – because I was a natural at math. However, I ended up as a Materials Engineer. How?
After high school, my dad advised that get an associate degree first to prepare me for college. There, I found myself studying glass and ceramics technology. That was my first stint with materials and it was very interesting, I particularly enjoyed glass blowing. When the time came to apply to college, I had two choices based on my associate’s degree: Industrial design or Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. The latter seems to be a better fit for me after researching the course requirements and that was it!
What do you love about being an engineer?
I love that what I do is impactful by making sure that materials being used for production/services have the right properties and meet desired requirements. I also enjoy being part of a process, design, testing and the challenge that it brings. I have worked in glass containers manufacturing and then in research to ensure material integrity for various industries. Now that I am in medical manufacturing, I find it equally exciting to see that all the parts we produce have specific targets at improving the quality of individual life and that I get to be a part of it.
What do you love about working at AVNA?
In the short time I have been at AVNA, I have loved it because there is room for growth for everyone regardless of what level you are at in your career. Everyone is very supportive and always ready to help, it doesn’t matter whether you are an intern or working and schooling at the same time or fresh out of college or returning to work after a hiatus like me. I also love that priority is placed on employee work-life balance, which makes it easy to want to come to work daily knowing full well that one’s health or that of your family will never be put in jeopardy.
What does success mean to you?
Success is being able to set a goal for oneself, meet it and then go on to exceed it. It is being able to push beyond obstacles and getting to the end point.
What’s your pump-up jam?
Afro beats in general. Right now, it is Egwu by Chiké and MohBad.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to sit on the sofa with a blanket and watch a movie or binge-watch my favorite shows/series.
Who’s Your Inspiration/ Hero & Why?
My late sister. She was the definition of selflessness. She motivates me daily to be a better version of myself and I miss her so much.
#1 Bucket List Item
Visit all seven continents. Well, maybe not Antarctica 😊
If you can be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
Storm! I’m a diehard MARVEL fan and she is my best girl. She is empathetic, loves kids and in control of her powers. She is also cute, love all versions of her hair!
Favorite Historical Figure & Why?
Nelson Mandela. He was a great leader who led by example. He fought for equality for all, promoted peace and reconciliation and remained sweet and soft on the inside despite his life experiences.
What town do you live in? Family info (optional)
I live in New Britain with my wonderful husband and adorable two children. They are my world!
Share a Fun Fact About Yourself:
I love going on road trips because it involves two of my favorite activities – driving and travelling! I also love to collect fridge magnets as souvenirs of every place I have visited or passed throug
Why did you choose Engineering as a career field?
At first, I went into engineering because I love math. I was definitely the nerd in high school and college. After all of the calculus and linear algebra, getting into advanced engineering math was insane! I remember one homework problem was over 10 pages in my notebook. After doing some research about all of the different engineering fields, I figured biomedical suit me best. Growing up, I couldn’t decide on being a respiratory therapist, or some other profession in the medical field… So moving forward with Biomedical Engineering with a focus in biomechanics was a great fit for me. I got all of the fun “bio” part of schooling as well as basically being cross trained as a mechanical engineer.
What do you love about being an engineer?
I love that I am so cross functional. I can do the statistics and problem solving as a quality engineer. I can write work instructions, create solidworks models, and work on continuous improvement like a manufacturing engineer. During my co-op years in college, I was even machining for John Deere Tractor! There are so many classes that you can take to better yourself as an engineer, and the important thing for me is that I can always keep on learning. Knowing that I can get a job in any field is something nice that you can keep under your belt. I’ve been a biomedical engineer in the automation industry, medical industry, firearm industry, and aerospace industry. Like I said, I’m cross functional and can fit anywhere 😊
What do you love about working at AVNA?
I am still so new to AVNA, but I like the teamwork the most. I feel like a part of a team here. I can approach anyone, and they are always willing to help. I also love that I am still in my field. Learning about all of the instrumentation that we make and how it applies to surgeries and the human body is extremely interesting to me! I also love that there is a spirit committee here that anyone can join! It’s such an important thing to have in the workplace to boost employee morale and comradery. This is the first company that I’ve worked at that has had this.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is being happy with where I am at in life. I am happy with my career, my family, and my home. But, success can grow by your own ability to grow. Whether it’s taking classes to be better at your job, a hobby, or just learning something new, you can always increase how successful you feel in life by how much of yourself that you’re willing to put into it.
What’s your pump-up jam?
Groove is in the Heart by Deee-Lite
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a crafty human!! I love making my own soap. I am also really into amigurumi (crocheted stuffed animals). I also read a lot, about 35-40 books a year.
Who’s Your Inspiration / Hero & Why?
I’m not sure my inspiration is a “who.” I’m more proud of myself for being a double minority, a woman and also in the LGBTQ community. I am extremely proud of who I am, how far I’ve come, and all of the experience that I have gained in my field and in life. Through any discrimination and hardships that I have had or been through, it’s inviting to see people accept me for who I am, a hard worker that’s willing to learn and grow in any position given to me instead of looking at me like a label. I want to be able to inspire others to know that their dreams don’t have to stop just because they’ve labeled themselves or have been labeled by others. Women are strong and we can lean on each other for support!
#1 Bucket List Item
A number #1 bucket list item is so hard!! I think an accomplishable #1 bucket list item is to do a hot air balloon tour. I love heights and anything crazy (you see those crazy roller coasters and flippy-do rides? That’s my jam!)
If I had unlimited funds, I would probably travel around the world and try all of the crazy theme park rides or extreme dining. I’ve seen a restaurant that you can eat at that hangs you by a crane in the air!!
If you can be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
If you don’t know me by now, I am an AVID Disney fan. If I could be any fictional character, I would be Kronk (The Emperor’s New Groove). He makes me laugh every time I watch the movie, he can cook AND he can talk to squirrels. He also has his own theme music, which is the most important. 😊
What town do you live in?
I am originally from Karns City, Pennsylvania, where the high school was grades 7-12 and my graduating class was 80 students. I am now a Bristol resident! My family consists of my wife, Hannah, my 8 month old daughter, Zahra, and 8 year old step daughter, Nola. I also have a great dane (Sybil), Chiweenie (Chipper), 3 cats (Boots, McFluffin, and Amethyst), and 2 guinea pigs (Reese’s and SPAZ).
Share a Fun Fact About Yourself
I am an avid collector of items, which really makes my wife mad! I have over 30 coffee mugs (NOT BORING ONES!!!). I also have a push pin and crushed penny collection; the pins and pennies being either from Disney or places that I’ve traveled. I know I have over 500 crushed pennies. I have a snow globe collection and I also collect Funko Pops. The Funko Pops I have collected are for some of my favorite movies and TV shows, like The 100, Little Shop of Horrors, Invader Zim, The Labyrinth, and Coraline.
Why did you choose Engineering as a career field?
Before starting my university studies, I had the opportunity to meet different professionals and their work roles. Those who drew the most attention, due to their comprehensive vision of the organization, were the engineers, which is why I chose the profession.
What do you love about being an engineer?
The ability to understand and integrate all the processes of an organization and the continuous improvement tools that can be developed at a work and even personal level.
What do you love about working at AVNA?
The trust that AVNA has had in my abilities and my work, the way it has allowed me to develop and the work-life balance it has allowed me to have.
What does success mean to you?
It means the happiness that results from my thoughts and actions in all areas of my life.
Share a Fun Fact About Yourself:
I am an introverted person, but by developing my work through training and special activities, I can be a more extroverted person in the world.
School: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Anticipated Graduation: 2027
Major: Robotics Engineering
Why did you choose Engineering as a career field?
Engineering is something I really enjoy. I love being able to apply concepts that I learn. Engineering gives me the freedom to explore new STEM concepts and allows me to improve other peoples’ lives by doing what I enjoy every day.
What do you love about being an engineer?
Engineering gives me the freedom to explore new STEM concepts and apply them to positively impact the world around me.
What do you love about working at AVNA?
I love the people here. They are welcoming and encourage me to learn more. They allow me to explore and gain real hands-on experiences I may not have gained otherwise. For example, I worked on prototyping, designing, and 3D printing an end-effector for a robot arm to automate and improve a manufacturing process.
What does success mean to you?
Being able to improve other people’s lives and having fun while doing it.
What’s your pump-up jam?
I am a huge Swiftie. Enough said!
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love to play golf & go sailing.
Who’s Your Inspiration/ Hero & Why?
My elementary school principal is my hero. She was the first to encourage me to join a robotics team and explore STEM at a young age, and she continues to guide and support me today.
1 Bucket List Item
Visit Italy, which I am hoping to do on an upcoming Study Abroad program.
If you can be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
Hermione Granger. I love her determination to succeed in whatever she does.
Who is your Favorite Historical Figure & Why?
I’m a huge fan of the musical Hamilton. I loved Eliza Hamiliton, because she stood up for the things she believed in and for that time period, it was brave.
Share a Fun Fact About Yourself:
I have been playing golf since I was 6 years old!
Why did you choose Engineering as a career field?
I wanted to be the first professional in my family and study something that challenged me, so I decided to study Industrial Engineering. Today I am convinced that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
What do you love about working at AVNA?
In the past, I aspired to study medicine and be a doctor but, due to various factors, it was not possible. However, today I am a Quality Engineer who has accomplished her dream of improving and saving lives.
Why did you choose Engineering as a career field?
Growing up, I always enjoyed school, especially math and science. I loved solving problems and appreciated participating in team sports, and hands-on activities. As I approached the time to consider my career path, it felt natural to gravitate towards something that combined my passions. Working on a team to find a solution, utilizing my love for math seemed the perfect fit. That’s when I decided to pursue engineering.
What do you love about being an engineer?
What excites me the most about being an engineer is seeing the final products and how they contribute to our society. From aerospace (my previous experience) where I got to work with making parts for airplanes and helicopters that were developed thinking about a more efficient transportation system; to medical devices (my AVNA experience) where I got to work every day with devices that will save/change lives.
What do you love about working at AVNA?
What I love about working at AVNA is the constant challenge that each day presents. The dynamic nature of our industry means that no two days are the same, and I excel in an environment where I’m continually learning and growing. The complex problems we handle push me to think creatively and this relentless pursuit of excellence and the opportunity to make a significant impact on our projects is what makes working at AVNA so fulfilling.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success means getting the job done and feeling a deep sense of accomplishment from delivering quality work. Success is not just about completing tasks but doing so with excellence and integrity. When I can look back at a project and see the tangible results of my hard work and dedication, that’s when I truly feel successful.
What’s your pump-up jam?
Free Me – Joss Stone
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my family.
Who’s Your Inspiration/ Hero & Why?
My mother. A blind (my mother has a genetic rare disease called retinitis pigmentosa that cause vision loss) single mother that raised two children on her own without any help.
1 Bucket List Item
Travel the world.
If you can be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
One of the spies from Charlie’s Angel 2000s movie.
Favorite Historical Figure & Why?
Dandara dos Palmares (?-1694) – Afro-Brazilian Warrior and Leader
She was an active part of the resistance against slavery; not only was she a warrior who fought in multiple battles, but she knew capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art which was created and practiced by enslaved people to the sound of music, to make it seem closer to a dance or game. She would also hunt and help grow vegetables for the community. But she would also participate in discussions about strategy, and she was completely against negotiating with the government, mainly because none of the deals proposed to the quilombola community involved abolishing slavery altogether.
What town do you live in? Family info
I live in Newington with my husband, two daughters (Louise 6 years old and Amelia 2 years old) and our cat Marley.
Share a Fun Fact About Yourself:
I’m Brazilian and speak Portuguese.
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