Kara Byrne

Kara Byrne

Greater Houston
6K followers 500+ connections

About

Extensive history in executing a global roles that specify, select & negotiate strategic…

Articles by Kara

  • Working from Home - Alone

    Working from Home - Alone

    Times are strange right now. Between pandemic, market and social movements across the globe our lives have never been…

    11 Comments
  • Paying It Forward – My Life’s Journey in STEM

    Paying It Forward – My Life’s Journey in STEM

    When I was younger, I would always say, “When I grow up I want to be an FBI Agent or an Astronaut.” Then during parent…

    7 Comments

Contributions

Activity

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Experience

  • Baker Hughes Graphic

    Baker Hughes

    Houston, Texas, United States

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    Houston, Texas, United States

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    Houston, Texas, United States

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    Houston, Texas, United States

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    Houston, Texas, United States

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    Houston, Texas, United States

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    Houston, Texas, United States

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    Houston, Texas, United States

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    Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States

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Education

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Graphic

    University of Wisconsin-Madison

    -

    Activities and Societies: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, FUSE founder, Wisconsin Singers

    http://www.engr.wisc.edu/studentorgs/fuse/about.html

Licenses & Certifications

Volunteer Experience

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Graphic

    Advisory Board Member

    University of Wisconsin-Madison

    - Present 6 months

    Education

    As part of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Advisory Board, we provide College of Engineering insights on curriculum, programming and industry trends.

  • Girls Inc. of Greater Houston Graphic

    Vice Chairman of the Board

    Girls Inc. of Greater Houston

    - Present 1 year 4 months

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    Serving on the Board of Directors as Vice Chair allows me to help guide the strategy of the organization. GIGH is part of a national organization that focuses on the development of the whole girl. She learns to value herself, take risks, and discover and develop her inherent strengths. Over the last 27 years, the combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming has proven to equip girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers,…

    Serving on the Board of Directors as Vice Chair allows me to help guide the strategy of the organization. GIGH is part of a national organization that focuses on the development of the whole girl. She learns to value herself, take risks, and discover and develop her inherent strengths. Over the last 27 years, the combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming has proven to equip girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent right here in Houston. Informed by girls and their families, GIGH also advocates for legislation and policies to increase opportunities and rights for all girls.

  • Women's Energy Network Graphic

    Podcast Host

    Women's Energy Network

    - Present 2 years 4 months

    Education

    Women's Energy Network (WEN) is a membership organization that brings both women and men together through networking events, educational opportunities and community outreach. This podcast started with the Colorado Chapter in 2020 before moving to WEN Global in 2021. WEN is committed to sharing knowledge, insights, and leadership tips from across the energy sector. This podcast is one of the many ways we're achieving this goal.

  • Baker Hughes Graphic

    Global Chief of Staff, Women’s Network

    Baker Hughes

    - Present 6 years 4 months

    Education

    Operations Leader for the Enterprise Team working directly the Enterprise Leader, HR Leader and Executive Sponsor. Set the mission, vision, and priorities for the global Women's Network, ensuring alignment and engagement of the Regional, Functional and Staff Leaders.

  • Girls Inc. of Greater Houston Graphic

    Secretary Board of Directors

    Girls Inc. of Greater Houston

    - 10 months

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    Serving on the Board of Directors as Secretary allows me to help guide the strategy of the organization. GIGH is part of a national organization that focuses on the development of the whole girl. She learns to value herself, take risks, and discover and develop her inherent strengths. Over the last 27 years, the combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming has proven to equip girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers…

    Serving on the Board of Directors as Secretary allows me to help guide the strategy of the organization. GIGH is part of a national organization that focuses on the development of the whole girl. She learns to value herself, take risks, and discover and develop her inherent strengths. Over the last 27 years, the combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming has proven to equip girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent right here in Houston. Informed by girls and their families, GIGH also advocates for legislation and policies to increase opportunities and rights for all girls.

  • Women's Energy Network Graphic

    Immediate Past President

    Women's Energy Network

    - 1 year

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    A 501c(6) non-profit, WEN strives to educate, promotes, connect and retain women in the energy industry. As Immediate Past President, I advise on the global operations and continued growth, sustainability and prosperity of the Women’s Energy Network. In addition to these activities, WEN charged me with spearheading the Digital Transition to a new membership database and platform for engagement. Oh, I also get to co-host the WEN Podcast!

  • Women's Energy Network Graphic

    President

    Women's Energy Network

    - 1 year

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    A 501c(6) non-profit, WEN strives to educate, promotes, connect and retain women in the energy industry. As President, I oversee all global operations supporting the continued growth, sustainability and prosperity of the Women’s Energy Network.

  • WEN National Graphic

    President Elect

    WEN National

    - 1 year

    Education

    A 501c(6) non-profit, WEN strives to educate, promotes, connect and retain women in the energy industry. As President Elect, I oversee New Chapters and Partnerships, supporting the continued growth of the Women’s Energy Network.

  • Baker Hughes Graphic

    North America Region Leader, Women's Network

    Baker Hughes

    - 1 year

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    Lead the North America Region by supporting Chapter leaders while empowering, educating, and retaining women within Baker Hughes. Developing the next female leaders within our company!

    Supported the relaunch of this inspirational ERG and act as Chief of Staff empowering the Global Leadership Team, through organizing, communicating and supporting the APAC, Europe, MENATI, Sub-Sahara Africa, and LATAM Regional Leaders.

  • WEN National Graphic

    Programs Director, National Board of Directors

    WEN National

    - 1 year

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    A 501c(6) non-profit, WEN strives to educate, promotes, connect and retain women in the energy industry. As National Programs director, I am on the board of directors to bring educational programming to all of the many chapter members of WEN.

    Key Accomplishments:
    Guided the organization through the transition from in-person networking to virtual programming, without losing the quality of the education and networking WEN is known for.

    Implemented the Leadership Cohort, which…

    A 501c(6) non-profit, WEN strives to educate, promotes, connect and retain women in the energy industry. As National Programs director, I am on the board of directors to bring educational programming to all of the many chapter members of WEN.

    Key Accomplishments:
    Guided the organization through the transition from in-person networking to virtual programming, without losing the quality of the education and networking WEN is known for.

    Implemented the Leadership Cohort, which provides a 12 month leadership development, career coaching, and mentoring program to members across the 20 Chapters in partnership with GiANT through Yielded Consulting.

    Launched the first WEN National Virtual Leadership Series, which provides high quality educational programming with take-aways that can immediately impact our member's (and non-member's) careers.

  • Women’s Energy Network Houston Graphic

    Immediate Past President

    Women’s Energy Network Houston

    - 1 year

    Civil Rights and Social Action

  • WEN National Graphic

    25th Anniversary Chair

    WEN National

    - 10 months

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    After 25 years of success, the Women’s Energy Network (WEN) is an international organization of professionals who work across the energy value chain. Our mission is to develop programs to provide networking opportunities and foster career and leadership development of women who work in the energy industries.

    WEN’s vision is to be the premier global organization that educates, attracts, retains, and develops professionals working across the energy value chain. WEN offers educational…

    After 25 years of success, the Women’s Energy Network (WEN) is an international organization of professionals who work across the energy value chain. Our mission is to develop programs to provide networking opportunities and foster career and leadership development of women who work in the energy industries.

    WEN’s vision is to be the premier global organization that educates, attracts, retains, and develops professionals working across the energy value chain. WEN offers educational, networking and leadership opportunities to more than 4,000 professionals nationwide through luncheons, conferences, community initiatives, socials and mentoring programs.

  • Baker Hughes, a GE company Graphic

    Women’s Network Co-Leader, Houston Hub

    Baker Hughes, a GE company

    - Present 7 years

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    Co-Leader of the BHGE Houston Hub Women’s Network, empowering, educating, and retaining women within BHGE. Developing the next female leaders within our company!

  • Women’s Energy Network Houston Graphic

    President

    Women’s Energy Network Houston

    - 1 year

    Science and Technology

    Women’s Energy Network (WEN)’s vision is to be the premier organization that educates, attracts, retains, and develops professional women working across the value chain. WEN’s mission is to develop programs to provide networking opportunities and foster career and leadership development of women who work in the energy industries.

    As President of WEN Houston Chapter, I provide the strategic vision for the organization as well as lead a 14 person working board which oversees all areas of…

    Women’s Energy Network (WEN)’s vision is to be the premier organization that educates, attracts, retains, and develops professional women working across the value chain. WEN’s mission is to develop programs to provide networking opportunities and foster career and leadership development of women who work in the energy industries.

    As President of WEN Houston Chapter, I provide the strategic vision for the organization as well as lead a 14 person working board which oversees all areas of this non-profit business: sponsorships, partnerships, individual and executive educational programming, mentoring, finance, advisory council, and volunteering. WEN Houston is the largest chapter for all of the 16 chapters of WEN with ~1800 members here in Houston. We are an organization powered by our volunteers, forging the future of women in the energy market!

  • Women’s Energy Network Houston Graphic

    President Elect, Houston

    Women’s Energy Network Houston

    - 1 year

    Science and Technology

    Women’s Energy Network (WEN)’s vision is to be the premier organization that educates, attracts, retains, and develops professional women working across the value chain. WEN’s mission is to develop programs to provide networking opportunities and foster career and leadership development of women who work in the energy industries.

    WEN Houston currently has over 2,000 members. As President-Elect, I am the acting Vice President. Directly, I manage Partnerships and Volunteers while…

    Women’s Energy Network (WEN)’s vision is to be the premier organization that educates, attracts, retains, and develops professional women working across the value chain. WEN’s mission is to develop programs to provide networking opportunities and foster career and leadership development of women who work in the energy industries.

    WEN Houston currently has over 2,000 members. As President-Elect, I am the acting Vice President. Directly, I manage Partnerships and Volunteers while supporting Membership and Sponsorship opportunities.

  • WEN National Graphic

    2017 Conference Volunteer Chair

    WEN National

    - 5 months

    Education

    A 501c(6) non-profit, WEN strives to educate, promotes, connect and retain women in the energy industry. As Volunteer Chair of the conference, I orchestrated the volunteers foe the entire conference ensuring clarity of assignments, outlining the schedule and troubleshooting any concerns.

  • STEM Outreach Chair - GE Women's Network

    GE Oil & Gas

    - 1 year 9 months

    Science and Technology

    Developed and executed the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Vision for the GE Women's Network in Houston, connecting local children to GE and to the wonders of STEM. Leading a team of passionate women, connecting to external organizations, building partnerships and inspiring young women to continue their STEM education are just a few of the interesting things I plan to achieve in this role.

  • Co-Leader GE Girls High STEM Camp

    GE Oil & Gas

    - 5 months

    Education

    GE leader of the week long camp, which included 47 campers, 71 GE Volunteers, 16 GE Mentors, and 12 Rice Staff.

    GE Girls HIGH is a 2nd Year GE partnership with Rice University…an immersive preparatory program for HISD high school girls wishing to pursue careers in STEM. After a rigorous application and interview process, this year’s camp will host 15 rising sophomores at a week-long overnight camp on Rice’s campus. The girls will continue to work with Rice University and GE Mentors after…

    GE leader of the week long camp, which included 47 campers, 71 GE Volunteers, 16 GE Mentors, and 12 Rice Staff.

    GE Girls HIGH is a 2nd Year GE partnership with Rice University…an immersive preparatory program for HISD high school girls wishing to pursue careers in STEM. After a rigorous application and interview process, this year’s camp will host 15 rising sophomores at a week-long overnight camp on Rice’s campus. The girls will continue to work with Rice University and GE Mentors after camp, throughout the school year.

    GE Volunteers hosted segments of the camp at GE and on Rice’s campus.

    Statistics of 1st Graduating Class (2016)
    - 11 of 11 Graduating & Heading to College
    - 9 of the 11 plan on majoring in STEM
    - 2 of the 9 plan on studying Engineering (with hopes of future GE Internships!)

    Statistics of 2016 Camp
    - 47 Campers
    - 71 GE Volunteers
    - 4 STEM Workshop
    - 8 STEM Solutions Teams for Community Challenges
    - TONS of FUN!

  • External Partner - Branding & Recruiting - GE Women’s Network

    GE Oil & Gas

    - 9 months

    Connect GE to industry networks, positioning, connecting, and empowering women to great organizations such as Women's Energy Network, PinkPetro, and Global Women's Leadership Conference.

  • Women’s Energy Network Houston Graphic

    Volunteer Chair

    Women’s Energy Network Houston

    - 1 year

    Led the volunteer team for the Women's Energy Network of Houston, a non-profit organization who's mission is to empower and inspire women to excel in the energy industry.

  • Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Graphic

    Volunteer / Industry Mentor

    Junior Achievement of Wisconsin

    - 2 years 9 months

    Children

  • Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity Graphic

    Volunteer

    Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity

    - 2 years 9 months

    Poverty Alleviation

  • Houston Habitat for Humanity, Inc. Graphic

    Volunteer

    Houston Habitat for Humanity, Inc.

    - 4 years 2 months

    Poverty Alleviation

  • Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas Graphic

    Volunteer / Fundraiser

    Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas

    - 9 years 4 months

    Children

  • United Way Of Wisconsin Inc Graphic

    Volunteer / Fundraiser

    United Way Of Wisconsin Inc

    - 2 years 9 months

    Poverty Alleviation

  • March of Dimes Graphic

    Team Captain

    March of Dimes

    - Present 10 years 1 month

Publications

  • Technology and Rotating Contributions / Combinations . Turboexpander - Recompressors (Video of Presentation)

    The 21st Ethylene Producers Conference

    Today's ethylene plants incorporate Turboexpander Systems in order to optimize cryogenic recovery and energy demand. The related residue gas molecular weight and flow rates depend directly upon the selected upstream feedstock gas composition, conversion, and feedrates. Various recent ethylene units have generated residue gas volumetric flow ranges from approximately 100-200%. Hence, the Turboexpander system is designed and manufactured accordingly.

    As we are aware, the typical naphtha…

    Today's ethylene plants incorporate Turboexpander Systems in order to optimize cryogenic recovery and energy demand. The related residue gas molecular weight and flow rates depend directly upon the selected upstream feedstock gas composition, conversion, and feedrates. Various recent ethylene units have generated residue gas volumetric flow ranges from approximately 100-200%. Hence, the Turboexpander system is designed and manufactured accordingly.

    As we are aware, the typical naphtha cracker produces a methane rich residue gas (bulk hydrogen is recovered, treated, and delivered as high pressure co-product). On the other hand, the typical ethane or E/P cracker produces a very high hydrogen content residue gas. Current designs and revamps require wider range of feedstocks, hence corresponding wide range of residue gas composition and quantity.

    In order to meet the above demands, the Turboexpander solution must also be flexible. As an overview, we will discuss the typical performance of one- or two-stage Turboexpander solutions for the residue gas expansion and recompression. Key mechanical design recommendations (e.g. magnetic bearings, variable nozzles, multistage control, high head wheels) will be outlined. Based on the demand from the different feedstocks and the industry requirements for feedstock flexibility, we will then discuss the technology and mechanical solutions. This presentation will also include related design improvements that have been successfully utilized in other Turboexpander applications.

    Other authors
    • Radjen Krishnasing
    • Gabriele Mariotti
    See publication
  • Turboexpander-Compressor Technology for Ethylene Plants

    The 21st Ethylene Producers Conference

    Today's ethylene plants incorporate Turboexpander Systems in order to optimize cryogenic recovery and energy demand. The related residue gas molecular weight and flow rates depend directly upon the selected upstream feedstock gas composition, conversion, and feedrates. Various recent ethylene units have generated residue gas volumetric flow ranges from approximately 100-200%. Hence, the Turboexpander system is designed and manufactured accordingly.

    As we are aware, the typical naphtha…

    Today's ethylene plants incorporate Turboexpander Systems in order to optimize cryogenic recovery and energy demand. The related residue gas molecular weight and flow rates depend directly upon the selected upstream feedstock gas composition, conversion, and feedrates. Various recent ethylene units have generated residue gas volumetric flow ranges from approximately 100-200%. Hence, the Turboexpander system is designed and manufactured accordingly.

    As we are aware, the typical naphtha cracker produces a methane rich residue gas (bulk hydrogen is recovered, treated, and delivered as high pressure co-product). On the other hand, the typical ethane or E/P cracker produces a very high hydrogen content residue gas. Current designs and revamps require wider range of feedstocks, hence corresponding wide range of residue gas composition and quantity.

    In order to meet the above demands, the Turboexpander solution must also be flexible. As an overview, we will discuss the typical performance of one- or two-stage Turboexpander solutions for the residue gas expansion and recompression. Key mechanical design recommendations (e.g. magnetic bearings, variable nozzles, multistage control, high head wheels) will be outlined. Based on the demand from the different feedstocks and the industry requirements for feedstock flexibility, we will then discuss the technology and mechanical solutions. This presentation will also include related design improvements that have been successfully utilized in other Turboexpander applications.

    Other authors
    • Gabriele Mariotti
    • Radjen Krishnasing
    See publication

Honors & Awards

  • Early Career Accomplishment Award

    UW-Madison College of Engineering

    The UW College of Engineering recognized Kara Byrne as a technical and strategic leader in energy, valves and turbomachinery whose passion for inspiring women to enter engineering has enabled her to mentor, develop and retain future women leaders in energy industry.

    Learn more at: https://www.engr.wisc.edu/news/kara-byrne-2021-early-career-award-recipient/

  • GRIT Award

    Experience Energy

    Recognized as a leader in energy that boldly step up the occasion, whatever it may be, with exceptional behavior and ability. An example of those looking for role models to show anything is possible.

  • GE Oil & Gas CEO Performance Award

    Lorenzo Simonelli, President & CEO of GE Oil & Gas

    Besides the deep knowledge of the product, Kara has shown outstanding clear thinking - which ws fundamental in leading the application engineers team to reach the closure of the electric LNG order.

    In recognition of her achievements, [GE] presents Kara with a well-deserved GE Oil & Gas CEO Performance Award.

    Please keep up the good work; we need your leadership to continue to grow the business.

  • GE Global Reward & Recognition - Above & Beyond for Expertise

    GE Oil & Gas (Rafael Santana, President and CEO – Turbomachinery)

    The North America Team driving LNG, led by Guido Faramondi, Daryl Vickers, and Marco Patriarchi, has once again demonstrated its great technical and commercial capability with very important customers like Dominion & Cheniere, while driving profitable win-win agreements with their EPCs, IHI-Kiewit & Bechtel. As such, a great team effort is required to successfully win these large projects.

  • GE Global Reward & Recognition for Clear Thinker

    GE Oil & Gas (Juan Cuesta, General Manager North America)

    For the contribution, passion and committment demonstrated, coveering multiple opportunities simultaneously, dealking with different and demanding customers, using knowledge and expertise, coordinating cross-business projects, showing clear thinking and rigorous approach, with the targets of meeting customers expectations, delivering high quality proposals and increasing profitability. Awarded to the North America Applications Engineering LNG Team at All-Hands Meeting.

  • GE Global Reward & Recognition for External Focus

    GE Oil & Gas (Praady Iyyanki, Vice President Turbomachinery)

    TM AHM Oct. 24th 2012 - The first LNG project in North America (320 M$), won in a single source through the team’s great dedication and costumer focus, overcoming uncertainties and setting the stage for a great sustained future business.

  • GE Global Reward & Recognition for External Focus

    GE Oil & Gas (Guido Faramondi, LNG Commercial Manager)

    For the passion and outstanding dedication to customers' needs demostrated in different occasions (Kazakhstan delegation visit, Wheatstone expander-generators order negotiation). This award is to thank you for your continuous support to the Company and Houston LNG hub growth.

  • GE Oil & Gas Turbomachinery ITO Talent Leadership Program

    GE Oil & Gas (Luca Maria Rossi, Turbomachinery ITO Leader)

    Nominated by Turbomanchinery ITO Leader for a Development Acceleration Program for high potential talents across TM Commercial & Sales team.

  • GE Global Reward & Recognition for Excellence

    GE Oil & Gas (Dalbir Utal, North America Applications Engineering Manager)

    For securing the contract for GE O&G Turboexpander Package on the PDO Project. Successfully negotiated the project win as the Applications Engineer and Commercial Manager. The individual efforts were also comended by the customer

  • GE Global Reward & Recognition for Simplification & Quality

    GE Oil & Gas (Bryan Stoll, North America Project Manager)

    For initiative, persistence, and hard work in developing and organizing the ITO-OTR Transfer Process Improvement Project. This was a very difficult and complicated task involving many disciplines with often conflicting interests. The new process provides a clearer definition of what was sold, easier access to that information, and an overall reduction in in project lead time and costs.

  • GE Global Reward & Recognition for Excellence

    GE Oil & Gas (Dalbir Utal, North America Applications Engineering Manager)

    For securing the contract for GE O&G Turboexpander Package on the BP Colombia Project.

  • GE Global Reward & Recognition for Excellence

    GE Oil & Gas (Dalbir Utal, North America Applications Engineering Manager)

    For securing the contract for GE O&G Turboexpander Package on the Qatar Shell Pearl GTL Project. This is recognized as the 1st Turboexpander Package to ever be sold in a GTL facility.

    Individually, handled a very difficult and demanding customer well. Responses to customer questions were done in a professional and timely manner, typically before they were due. Preparation for customer clarification meeting was well done resulting in a smooth meeting. Finally, stepped up as a team player…

    For securing the contract for GE O&G Turboexpander Package on the Qatar Shell Pearl GTL Project. This is recognized as the 1st Turboexpander Package to ever be sold in a GTL facility.

    Individually, handled a very difficult and demanding customer well. Responses to customer questions were done in a professional and timely manner, typically before they were due. Preparation for customer clarification meeting was well done resulting in a smooth meeting. Finally, stepped up as a team player to travel to Japan on Christmas to close the deal.

  • GE Global Reward & Recognition for Simplification

    GE Oil & Gas (Charles Nelson, North America Operations Master Black Belt)

    For reducing a 50 days RFQ cycle down to 15 days. Worked to coordinate differing CTQs for all stakeholders and work through many contentious meetings and discussions, yielding a harmoneous result for the business and all stakeholders.

Organizations

  • University of Wisconsin

    Advisory Board Member Mechanical Engineering Industry Advisory Board, College of Engineering

    - Present
  • Girls, Inc of Greater Houston

    Various, see volunteer experience.

    - Present
  • Baker Hughes Women’s Network

    Various, see volunteer experience.

    - Present
  • Women's Energy Network

    Various, see volunteer experience.

    - Present
  • GE Women's Network

    Various, see volunteer experience.

    -
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

    Communications Director, FUSE Coordinator

    -

    Created an annual dinner to Find an Understanding of Situations in Engineering (FUSE). The mission of the dinner was to create a safe, collaborative environment for open discussions on situations engineering students would face entering the workforce. Some of the topics covered were gender bias, diversity, new employee expectations, making an impact in your first 90 days, and embracing and advocating for change. The participants were various engineering firm representatives, university faculty…

    Created an annual dinner to Find an Understanding of Situations in Engineering (FUSE). The mission of the dinner was to create a safe, collaborative environment for open discussions on situations engineering students would face entering the workforce. Some of the topics covered were gender bias, diversity, new employee expectations, making an impact in your first 90 days, and embracing and advocating for change. The participants were various engineering firm representatives, university faculty and university students.

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