Catherine Sheng Schrimsher

I attribute much of my success to focusing on building skills rather than chasing titles, salaries, or specific companies. Early in my career, I spent nearly a decade at Intuit as a Lead database engineer, supporting more than 20 internal application teams and advising a community of over 300 data professionals. I genuinely loved what I was doing, but over time I realized I wanted to make an even greater impact. I didn't have a specific job title or career path in mind; I simply knew I wanted to use my skills to help more people, solve bigger challenges, and create meaningful change on a larger scale.

Rather than chasing the next title, I focused on expanding my capabilities. I embraced opportunities both inside and outside my formal role - including leading an employee resource group, where I strengthened my leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Every experience, every project, and every volunteer opportunity became another tool in my toolbox and prepared me for opportunities I couldn't yet see.

That mindset continues to guide my career and has shaped the path I’m on today - helping organizations ranging from Fortune 500 enterprises and public sector agencies to mid-market businesses and emerging startups solve some of their most complex challenges. I believe every challenge is an opportunity to grow, every new skill is an investment in the future, and every person you help expands your ability to create meaningful, lasting impact.

I don’t think careers need to be perfectly planned. Instead, I've found that when you’re intentional about learning, remain open to new experiences, and consistently create value for others, the right opportunities have a way of finding you.

The best advice I've ever received is a simple phrase: "You can do it!"

At first, they may seem ordinary, but they've carried me through some of the most defining moments of my life and career. Whenever I've questioned whether I was ready, whether I was qualified, or whether I belonged, those words reminded me that courage doesn't come from having all the answers - it comes from believing in yourself enough to take the next step.

I've learned that self-doubt is something everyone experiences, no matter how successful they appear. The difference is that successful people don't let fear make their decisions. They acknowledge it, move forward anyway, and trust that they'll figure it out along the way.

Today, whenever I face a new challenge, I remind myself: "You can do it!" They inspire me to embrace opportunities that stretch me, to keep learning, and to believe that growth begins just outside of my comfort zone.

My hope is that others, especially young women entering STEM, will remember this when they start to doubt themselves. Don't let fear convince you that you're not ready. Believe in your potential, take the leap, and trust that you are far more capable than you realize. Sometimes, the only thing standing between where you are and where you're meant to be is the confidence to say, "I can do it!"

Dream big, believe in your vision, and then turn that vision into consistent, everyday action. Success rarely happens overnight - it takes perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to keep moving forward even when the path feels uncertain. There will be moments when you question yourself or wonder if you're on the right path. Sometimes all it takes is one more step.

For young engineers and those early in their careers, my advice is to focus less on titles, salaries, or the company names, and more on building a strong set of skills. Pursue work that genuinely excites you, stay curious, and take on opportunities that help you grow - even if they fall outside your job description. Every experience adds another tool to your toolbox. When the right opportunity comes, your skills, not your title, will determine whether you're ready to seize it.

As you grow in your career, you'll discover that the biggest challenges don't come with clear instructions. The higher you climb, the more you're asked to solve problems that have never been solved before. Embrace that uncertainty. Innovation happens when you're willing to explore the unknown, challenge assumptions, and create what's possible instead of waiting for someone else to define it.

With the rapid advancement of AI, we're entering a new era of possibility. I see startups, developers, and innovators becoming more empowered than ever before to build, create, and solve problems in ways that simply weren't possible a few years ago. AI is lowering barriers, accelerating innovation, and giving people the tools to turn ideas into reality faster than ever.

What excites me most is the real-world impact of these technologies. It's not just about what AI can do - it's about what it enables people to accomplish. Whether it's helping businesses operate more efficiently, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, or simplifying everyday tasks, I believe AI has the potential to improve lives in meaningful ways. I'm excited to see how this technology continues to evolve and how it will empower people to imagine, build, and achieve what's next.

What I value most in both my work and personal life is having a genuine passion for what I do and giving it my all every single day.

I believe that when you truly love your work, excellence becomes a natural outcome. I also live by a few guiding principles: stay hungry, stay curious, stay humble, and stay empathetic. Staying hungry means never becoming complacent and always striving to learn and grow. Staying curious opens the door to innovation and new possibilities. Staying humble reminds us that there is always more to learn from others, regardless of where we are in our careers. And staying empathetic helps us build meaningful relationships, create technology that truly serves people, and lead with compassion.

For me, success isn't measured by titles or achievements alone - it's about making a positive impact, continuously learning and growing, and helping others succeed along the way.

Above all, I love my family. I'm a proud mom of two wonderful boys who inspire me every day. One of my greatest joys is seeing the world through their eyes. Their curiosity, imagination, and sense of wonder remind me to slow down, appreciate life's simple moments, and never stop learning.