Her Story
About Amanda
I have been in manufacturing for almost 15 years. I earned my Bachelor's of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Youngstown State University in 2013 and went right into product design engineering in the oil and gas industry designing valves and regulators. In 2017 I joined my current organization in metal forming starting in product engineering, taking projects from quote through implementation on the manufacturing floor with a focus on continuous improvement. I later moved into project engineering as technical lead on new projects ensuring timelines and cross-department alignment. In 2025 I became lead product engineer after completing my master's in organizational leadership. I also completed the 11-month Leadership Mahoning Valley program focusing on community growth in 2026.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to always being 100% true to who I am. I grew up in a situation where I was allowed to be exactly who I was and dream big. My mom never put me in a box. I have never dreamt small and I think that forever desire of wanting more and wanting to keep dreaming big has gotten me to where I am. Of course the support of my village of people has been crucial as well.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to just keep showing up. Physically, mentally, just keep showing up ready to absorb. The more you show up the greater chance you have at learning, progessing, and succeeding.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't mute your personality just to fit in. Be who you are. Always recognize that you bring skills to contribute and that you're valued. Keep showing up because you will find success if you seek it and stay true to who you are. Keep on dreaming big.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Bridging generational divides and understanding different values while fostering excitement in a very old blue-collar industry is a challenge. There are also still not a lot of women in these roles and we have to be better as an organization and industry to allow growth and change to happen.
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