Irene White Sharp
Irene Sharp is a retired Principal Engineer with a distinguished career spanning over 37 years in the automotive and aerospace engineering industries. She began her professional journey in 1963 as an electrical engineer and went on to serve at leading organizations including the U.S. Government, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and United Technologies Automotive. Throughout her career, Irene specialized in electrical systems design, project management, technical documentation, and engineering supervision, mentoring the next generation of engineers along the way.
Irene’s professional philosophy centers on technical curiosity, perseverance, and mutual support. She has been an advocate for women in engineering, actively supporting and hiring women engineers in her teams and participating in professional organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers and the American Association of University Women. Her commitment to excellence and mentorship has inspired many to pursue engineering careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
A proud alumna of Howard University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Irene further honed her skills through professional development in Engineering Management at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Her career achievements have been recognized through awards including Charter Member of the National Women’s History Museum and the Extraordinary Woman Engineer recognition. Even in retirement, Irene continues to serve as a mentor and advocate, exemplifying the values of determination, independence, and empowering others.
• BSEE, Electrical Engineering
• PDED, Engineering Management
• Howard University – Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
• University of Michigan-Dearborn – Professional Development in Engineering Management
• Charter Member – National Women’s History Museum
• Extraordinary Woman Engineer – Extraordinary Women Engineers Project
• Influential Women 2026
• Society of Women Engineers
• American Association of University Women (AAUW)
• Mentoring and supporting women engineers throughout her career
What do you attribute your success to?
I had support. My husband was very supportive - when things got rough at work and I was talking about quitting, he said, don't quit! Stay there and make the bastards miserable! There were some times when I thought I would quit, but I didn't, mostly because of support from the women in the Society of Women Engineers. It was really the support of other women engineers that got me through it. When I was still a student, there was a lady who was an engineer at Westinghouse who would come and get me to take me to the Society of Women Engineers meetings, pick me up at the dorm. So I had that connection. When I graduated and went to Denver to work, one of the women from those meetings notified Denver that I was coming, and I was welcomed with open arms there. The support and the fact that they were going through the same thing is what kept me going.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of my professors at Howard University advised me to ensure that the engineering program I attended was accredited. Additionally, my peers and husband consistently encouraged me to persevere and not quit during difficult times, which was invaluable guidance throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let anybody tell you what you can and cannot do. Follow your own dreams. That was my motivation - people telling me I couldn't do stuff. The women in the Society of Women Engineers say, if somebody tells you you can't do it, do it, or die trying.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Historically, engineering teams were overwhelmingly male, which made networking and peer support essential. Today, there are opportunities to increase recruitment, visibility, and inclusion of women engineers, and to expand professional networks that support diversity and mentorship.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Determination, independence, perseverance, and mutual support for other women are the values I hold most important in both my professional and personal life.
Locations
United Technologies Automotive
West Bloomfield, MI 48322