Engineering is full of sharp minds, complex problems and long timelines. You don’t always get to stop and hear what brought someone here, or what keeps them going.
For International Women in Engineering Day, we asked a few of the women at Energy Exemplar if they’d be open to sharing their stories. Not just their job titles or credentials, but the real stuff. What sparked their interest. What they’ve had to push through. What they’d tell someone starting out.
They said yes. And we’re grateful.
This post is a collection of what they shared with us. It’s not comprehensive. It’s not meant to speak for everyone. But we hope it speaks to someone.
Where it all started
There’s no single path into engineering. For some, it started with a fascination with how things work. For others, it was a teacher who saw something in them, or a quiet sense of “I think I could do that.”
As Jenia Mezentseva, Lead Energy Analyst in Gas and Commodities, shared, "I am an engineer-mathematician, who graduated in Applied Mathematics and Informatics. This background helped me develop an understanding of complex energy systems and build mathematical models to simulate their physical, technical, and economic behavior. My technical modeling skills have allowed me to turn complexity into clarity, especially in fast-evolving areas like hydrogen and renewables."
Energy modeling might not be the first thing people think of when they imagine engineering. But for the women we spoke to, it brings together math, problem-solving and real-world impact, which is what drew them in.
“I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and a Master’s in Management. My technical foundation gave me the tools to understand systems and design solutions, while my business education helped me connect technology with user needs. That mix shaped my path into product leadership.” - Ekta Kamdar, Director, Product Management
There’s a lot of focus on the technical complexity of engineering - less so on the emotional load that can come with being one of the few. What often goes unspoken is the pressure to prove yourself again and again, as if credibility needs constant confirmation.
From pushing through imposter syndrome to balancing work and caregiving, the women we spoke to didn’t pretend it was easy. What stood out wasn’t the challenges themselves, but the grit it took to keep showing up. Energy Market Analyst Ankita Deverakonda suggests to “believe in your capabilities and [not] let stereotypes determine your career path.”
We’re not pretending the work is done. The numbers still speak for themselves. Just 14% of engineers in the US and 15.7% in the UK are women, according to BLS and EngineeringUK. But there is momentum. And these stories are part of that shift.
The women who shared their stories didn’t give generic advice. What they offered was personal and honest. Things they wish they’d heard earlier.
"Go for it! Why shouldn't you? The industry is waiting for you! It is not an easy path, but that's part of what makes it so rewarding." - Allyson Tom, Algorithm Developer
Some spoke about the power of mentorship, great managers, networking, and the support and strength they received from speaking with colleagues. Others talked about tuning out the noise and trusting themselves. All of them wanted younger women to know they belong in this space and that their perspective matters.
"I would advise women to take that leap which is challenging and equally rewarding. The opportunities are not only intellectually stimulating but also provides a sense of accomplishment." - Neha Deswal, Senior Energy Market Analyst – APAC
When you work in a field like energy modeling, the work is complex. You're dealing with massive data sets, policy, economics, uncertainty, and technology that is changing fast.
As Senior Cloud Developer Jayavani Ponnusamy said, "In my opinion, it’s important for more women to pursue engineering, and that awareness should start from an early age. [...] A balanced representation in this field ensures that the products and technologies we develop address the needs of a diverse society. Encouraging more women to enter engineering not only promotes gender equity but also strengthens the industry through greater innovation and inclusion."
Having different perspectives on a team isn’t just a nice idea. It’s how you get better solutions.
Allyson Tom put it this way: "Women bring diverse perspectives to engineering, a field where innovation is driven by new approaches to problem solving. Gender diversity is one opportunity to introduce more creative solutions and ensure that said solutions apply to a broader audience."
We’re lucky that these women chose to work here. But this post isn’t about us as an employer. It’s about them and about what it looks like when you bring your whole self to a field that hasn’t always made space for you.
We’re sharing these stories because they deserve to be heard. Because someone out there might need to read them. And because we believe engineering is stronger when it reflects more of the world it’s trying to serve.
We hope these stories show you that engineering can look a lot of different ways. There’s no one path, no perfect background and no single definition of success.
There is just curiosity, perseverance and a belief that you can make a difference.
Happy International Women in Engineering Day.