As a woman pursuing electrical engineering, my journey into STEM has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a deep desire to understand how the systems around us work. From maintaining complex electrical equipment to working with robotics, I have always been drawn to the challenge of solving technical problems and improving the systems that power our world. My experiences as a maintenance technician and electrical specialist have not only strengthened my technical abilities but have also reinforced my commitment to advancing innovation and increasing representation of women in STEM. Early in my career, I worked hands-on with electrical systems in maintenance environments where precision, safety, and critical thinking were essential. Troubleshooting equipment failures, maintaining electrical infrastructure, and ensuring operational reliability taught me that engineering is not only about theory it is about applying knowledge to solve real-world problems. These experiences sparked my decision to pursue electrical engineering so that I could deepen my understanding of power systems, automation, and emerging technologies. One area that particularly inspires me is robotics. I have been working in the robotics field for almost a year now, and it has helped me better understand new innovations and future technologies. Robotics combines electrical engineering, programming, and mechanical systems into one powerful field that can transform industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. Through my work and studies, I have gained experience understanding how electrical components, sensors, and control systems interact to create intelligent machines. Robotics represents the future of engineering, and I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to innovations that make technology more efficient, accessible, and impactful. Despite my passion for engineering, the path has not always been easy. In many technical environments, women remain underrepresented. Being one of the few women in maintenance and electrical roles has sometimes meant needing to work harder to prove my abilities. However, these challenges have strengthened my determination. Instead of discouraging me, they have inspired me to push forward and demonstrate that skill, dedication, and innovation are not defined by gender. Representation in STEM matters because diverse perspectives lead to stronger solutions. When women participate in engineering and technical fields, they bring new ideas, problem-solving approaches, and creativity that benefit society as a whole. I believe that increasing the presence of women in STEM not only creates more inclusive workplaces but also drives innovation forward. As I continue my education in electrical engineering, my goal is to contribute to advancements in automation, electrical systems, and robotics while also supporting other women entering the field. I hope to serve as both a professional example and a mentor for young women who may be curious about STEM but unsure if they belong. By sharing my experiences and encouraging others to pursue technical careers, I want to help build a future where women feel confident entering engineering and technology industries. Receiving the Women in STEM Scholarship would support my continued growth as an engineer and allow me to focus more deeply on my studies and technical development. More importantly, it would reinforce the message that women’s contributions to science and engineering are valued and essential. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue to pursue excellence in electrical engineering, contribute to technological innovation, and help inspire the next generation of women to explore the possibilities within STEM. Engineering has always been about building solutions that improve the world. As a woman in electrical engineering, I am proud to be part of that mission and committed to helping shape a future where innovation is driven by diverse minds working together.

Poverty is one of the most pressing social issues in the world today. It affects millions of people and limits access to basic necessities such as food, healthcare, education, and stable employment. People living in poverty often face barriers that make it difficult to improve their circumstances, including lack of resources, limited opportunities, and social stigma. However, communities and nonprofit organizations play an important role in helping individuals overcome some of these barriers. Through my volunteer work with Dress for Success Louisville and For Lady’s Sake, I have been able to contribute in small but meaningful ways to help individuals facing challenges related to poverty. One of the organizations I have volunteered with is Dress for Success Louisville. This nonprofit organization helps individuals prepare for job opportunities by providing professional clothing and career support. For many people experiencing financial hardship, purchasing professional attire for interviews or a new job can be extremely difficult. Without appropriate clothing, individuals may feel less confident or may not be taken seriously in professional settings. By helping organize clothing donations and support the organization’s efforts, I contributed to ensuring that people have access to outfits that help them present themselves confidently during job interviews. This support can make a significant difference, because employment is one of the most important steps toward achieving financial stability and breaking cycles of poverty. My volunteer work with Dress for Success Louisville also helped me understand how something that may seem simple like a suit, dress, or pair of shoes can have a powerful impact on someone’s life. When individuals feel confident in their appearance and prepared for interviews, they are often more likely to pursue opportunities and believe in their own potential. Seeing how the organization empowers people seeking employment showed me how community support can help individuals regain confidence and independence. In addition to Dress for Success Louisville, I have volunteered with For Lady’s Sake, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing period poverty and women’s health education. Period poverty occurs when individuals cannot afford basic menstrual products such as pads or tampons. Many women and girls experience this challenge, which can affect their health, dignity, and ability to attend school or work. Through my involvement with For Lady’s Sake, I helped support efforts to distribute period products to those who cannot afford them. Beyond providing products, For Lady’s Sake also focuses on educating women about reproductive health and safe hygiene practices. This education is extremely important because many individuals do not always have access to accurate information about their bodies or how to manage their health safely. By supporting these initiatives, the organization helps empower women with knowledge that can improve their well-being and confidence. Volunteering with these organizations has helped me better understand the everyday challenges people facing poverty experience. Poverty is not only about lack of money; it also affects access to opportunities, health resources, and personal dignity. Both Dress for Success Louisville and For Lady’s Sake work to address these issues in practical ways by providing essential resources and education. Overall, my volunteer experiences have shown me that small acts of service can create meaningful change within communities. By helping provide professional clothing and essential health products, these organizations support individuals in overcoming barriers related to poverty. Participating in this work has not only allowed me to help others, but it has also strengthened my understanding of the importance of compassion, community support, and advocacy in addressing social issues.

I believe making a positive impact on the world starts with using your abilities to help others and improve the communities around you. My goal is to do this through my education, my career in electrical engineering, and the way I continue to serve others through volunteering. Even during challenging times in my personal life, I have learned that it is always possible to contribute something meaningful to the world. I plan to attend college and pursue a degree in electrical engineering because I am interested in how technology and electrical systems shape the world we live in. Electrical engineering plays a critical role in many areas of modern life, from energy systems to communication networks and new technologies that improve everyday living. By gaining the knowledge and skills in this field, I hope to contribute to innovations that improve people’s lives and make systems more efficient, accessible, and sustainable. I want to be part of the group of engineers who work to solve real-world problems and create solutions that benefit communities. At the same time, my motivation to make a positive impact comes from experiences in my personal life. Over the past few years, my family has faced significant challenges due to my mom’s health. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and has since experienced other serious complications, including kidney failure and an autoimmune disease called scleroderma. Watching her go through these struggles has been incredibly difficult, but it has also taught me the importance of resilience, compassion, and supporting others when they need it most. Even while dealing with these challenges at home, I have continued to make time to volunteer and help others in my community. Volunteering has shown me that even small actions can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Whether it is giving my time, helping someone in need, or contributing to community efforts, those experiences have strengthened my belief that we all share a responsibility to make the world a better place. Balancing school, family responsibilities, working full time in the Industrial maintenance and electrical specialist field and also volunteering has not always been easy, but it has taught me important lessons about time management, dedication, and perseverance. These experiences have also helped shape the kind of person I want to become. I want to use my education not only to build a successful career, but also to create opportunities to help others and give back to my community. In the future, I hope to combine my work as an electrical engineer with my commitment to service. Whether that means contributing to technologies that improve infrastructure, help provide reliable energy, or support innovation that benefits society, I want my work to have a positive impact beyond just myself. I also plan to continue volunteering and mentoring others, especially younger students who may need encouragement to pursue education and career goals. Ultimately, making the world a better place does not always require huge changes; it starts with dedication, compassion, and the willingness to help others. Through my education, my career, and my continued commitment to serving my community, I hope to contribute to a future where people have greater opportunities and a better quality of life.

Faith has played a significant role in my life, especially over the last few years. It has shaped how I face challenges, how I view my future, and how I pursue my goals in education. During difficult moments, my faith has given me strength, hope, and a sense of purpose when life felt uncertain. In the past few years, my family has faced a number of serious health challenges, particularly involving my mom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and since then she has experienced many complications, including kidney failure and an autoimmune disease called scleroderma. Watching someone you love go through so much pain and uncertainty is incredibly difficult. There were many moments where things felt overwhelming, and I didn’t always know what the future would look like for our family. During those times, my faith became something I leaned on more than ever before. Faith helped me stay hopeful when circumstances were frightening and unpredictable. It reminded me that even in the hardest situations, there is still purpose and strength to be found. It also taught me the importance of perseverance and trusting that difficult seasons can still lead to growth. Because of this, I have learned to approach challenges in my academic life with the same determination and mindset. When school feels difficult or stressful, I remind myself of the strength my family has shown and the faith that helped us get through those times. My mom has also been one of the biggest influences on my drive to pursue higher education. Even while facing cancer treatments, kidney complications, and the daily struggles that come with scleroderma, she continues to show incredible resilience. Seeing her push forward despite everything has taught me the value of determination and not giving up when life becomes difficult. She constantly encourages me to work hard in school and to pursue opportunities that will help me build a better future. Her strength has inspired me to take my education seriously and to strive for success not just for myself, but also for my family. I want to make the sacrifices and struggles that she has endured meaningful by working hard and pursuing a career that allows me to make a positive impact. Watching her fight through so much has given me a deeper appreciation for opportunities that I might otherwise take for granted, including the opportunity to attend college. In addition to my mom, my faith and the people around me have also encouraged me to pursue higher education. Teachers, mentors, and family members have reminded me that education is a powerful tool that can open doors and create opportunities not only for myself but also for others. Their support has helped me believe in my abilities and stay focused on my goals. Because of these experiences, I approach my academic future with motivation and gratitude. I know that pursuing higher education will require dedication and hard work, but the challenges my family has faced have already shown me the importance of perseverance. My faith has strengthened my mindset, my mom’s resilience has inspired my work ethic, and the support from others around me has encouraged me to keep pushing forward. Ultimately, my goal is to use my education to build a meaningful future, support my family, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. The hardships we have faced have not discouraged me from pursuing my goals; instead, they have strengthened my determination to succeed.

One of the most challenging experiences in my life began when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder. Her diagnoses changed our lives almost overnight. I watched someone I love face serious health challenges, and it forced me to grow up quickly. Suddenly, our family’s normal routines shifted to doctor appointments, treatments, and days when my mom didn’t feel strong enough to do the things she once did so easily. During that time, I took on more responsibility at home. I helped take care of my younger siblings, making sure they were ready for school and helping them with everyday tasks. I also went with my mom to doctor appointments and tried to support her on the days when she felt especially tired or overwhelmed. There were moments when everything felt heavy and uncertain, and I often worried about her health and our future. However, seeing my mom face these challenges with courage and determination made a lasting impact on me. Even on days when she was in pain or exhausted, she continued to stay strong for our family. Watching her strength taught me what true resilience looks like. Being there for my mom required patience, emotional strength, and maturity. I had to learn how to balance my responsibilities at home while still keeping up with school and other parts of my life. At times I felt overwhelmed, but the experience pushed me to become stronger and more adaptable than I thought I could be. This allowed me to receive two associates degree’s, all while working full time. It also taught me the importance of showing up for the people you love, even when situations are difficult. Through this experience, I learned to be more compassionate and understanding toward others. I became more aware that many people are facing struggles that others may not see. It also helped me appreciate the small moments with my family that are often taken for granted, like simple conversations, laughter, and time spent together. Although this period of my life was incredibly difficult, it helped shape the person I am today. It showed me the value of supporting others during their hardest moments and taught me that personal growth often comes from challenges we never expected to face. Through caring for my mom and helping my family, I developed a deeper sense of empathy, responsibility, and resilience that continues to guide me in my life.

One of the most challenging experiences in my life began when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder. Her diagnoses changed our lives almost overnight. I watched someone I love face serious health challenges, and it forced me to grow up quickly. Suddenly, our family’s normal routines shifted to doctor appointments, treatments, and days when my mom didn’t feel strong enough to do the things she once did so easily. During that time, I took on more responsibility at home. I helped take care of my younger siblings, making sure they were ready for school and helping them with everyday tasks. I also went with my mom to doctor appointments and tried to support her on the days when she felt especially tired or overwhelmed. There were moments when everything felt heavy and uncertain, and I often worried about her health and our future. However, seeing my mom face these challenges with courage and determination made a lasting impact on me. Even on days when she was in pain or exhausted, she continued to stay strong for our family. Watching her strength taught me what true resilience looks like. Being there for my mom required patience, emotional strength, and maturity. I had to learn how to balance my responsibilities at home while still keeping up with school, At times I felt overwhelmed, but the experience pushed me to become stronger and more adaptable than I thought I could be. This allowed me to receive two associates degree’s all while working full time. It also taught me the importance of showing up for the people you love, even when situations are difficult. Through this experience, I learned to be more compassionate and understanding toward others. I became more aware that many people are facing struggles that others may not see. It also helped me appreciate the small moments with my family that are often taken for granted, like simple conversations, laughter, and time spent together. Although this period of my life was incredibly difficult, it helped shape the person I am today. It showed me the value of supporting others during their hardest moments and taught me that personal growth often comes from challenges we never expected to face. Through caring for my mom and helping my family, I developed a deeper sense of empathy, responsibility, and resilience that continues to guide me in my life.

I am a hardworking and motivated individual who is committed to growing both professionally and academically in the technical field. I earned two associate degrees in Applied Science, one in Industrial Maintenance and the other in Electrical Technology. These programs gave me a strong foundation in troubleshooting, electrical systems, and industrial equipment, and they helped confirm my passion for working with technology and solving complex problems. Currently, I work full time as an Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Specialist at Autokiniton, where I regularly work over 50 hours a week. In this role, I am responsible for diagnosing and repairing electrical systems, maintaining industrial machinery, and ensuring that production equipment operates efficiently and safely. The fast-paced nature of the job requires critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly solve problems when issues arise. Every day presents a new challenge, and I take pride in being someone my team can rely on to keep systems running and production moving. As a woman working in a field that is still largely male-dominated, I take pride in the path I have chosen. There are not many women in industrial maintenance and electrical work, and being part of that minority motivates me even more to succeed. I hope that by continuing to grow in this field, I can help show other women that they belong in technical careers and that they are capable of succeeding in industries that may not traditionally have many female workers. Through my education and hands-on work experience, I have developed a deep appreciation for the impact that skilled technical professionals have on industries and communities. Technology and automation play a major role in modern manufacturing, and the people who understand how to design, maintain, and improve these systems help keep businesses running and products moving around the world. Outside of my career and education, I am also a very family-oriented person. Spending time with my family is extremely important to me, and I try to be with them as much as I can whenever my schedule allows. My family has always been a strong source of support and motivation in my life, and they continue to encourage me as I work toward my goals. As I continue advancing my education and technical skills, my goal is to make a positive impact by improving the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the systems people rely on every day. I want to contribute to innovations in electrical systems, automation, and industrial technology that help industries operate more efficiently while reducing downtime and improving productivity. Through my technical career, I plan to use my knowledge, work ethic, and problem-solving skills to contribute to advancements in industry while also inspiring others especially women to pursue opportunities in technical and engineering fields.

I am passionate about pursuing a degree in electrical engineering because I genuinely enjoy problem-solving and finding solutions to complex challenges. I have always been interested in understanding how things work and how systems can be designed or improved to solve real-world problems. Electrical engineering allows me to combine critical thinking with creativity, and the idea of developing technology that can positively impact people’s lives motivates me to continue learning and growing in this field. I enjoy the challenge of breaking down difficult problems and working through them step by step until I find a solution. My upbringing has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. My mother raised me and my five siblings while my stepfather served in the military. Watching my mom manage our household, work tirelessly, and support our family taught me the meaning of perseverance and responsibility at a young age. She balanced many challenges but always made sure that we were taken care of and encouraged to work hard for our goals. Seeing her strength and determination showed me what resilience truly looks like. Recently, our family has faced another difficult challenge. My mother has been dealing with breast cancer and the complications that have come with it. During this time, I have taken on the responsibility of helping care for her while also working full time and continuing my education. This experience has not only strengthened my sense of responsibility but has also taught me how to manage my time, remain focused under pressure, and continue moving forward even when life becomes difficult. Balancing work, school, and caring for my mother has required discipline, patience, and determination. While it has been challenging at times, it has also reminded me why I am pursuing my education in the first place. I want to build a stable future for myself and be able to give back to the people who have supported me throughout my life, most importantly my mom that has done so much for me and my siblings. Through my upbringing and life experiences, I have learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. These lessons continue to drive me as I pursue a degree in electrical engineering. I am committed to overcoming obstacles, continuing my education, and using my skills to solve problems and contribute meaningfully to the world around me. This is how and why I am passionate about pursuing a bachelor’s in electrical engineering.