Her Story
About Iyana
Iyana Jolicoeur is an Engineering Leader in the Energy and Industrial Automation sector at UL Solutions, where she works within the company's Signature Solutions team. She brings experience in engineering leadership, technical project management, materials testing, safety certification, and client relationship management. Before moving into leadership, she served as an Engineer and Associate Project Engineer, gaining hands-on experience in testing and certification, project execution, technical documentation, stakeholder management, and customer engagement. She has also mentored entry-level engineers and contributed to recruiting and professional development initiatives.
Jolicoeur earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University in 2020. Her earlier engineering experience includes work in fire protection and materials testing at UL Solutions, where she evaluated materials according to UL standards and analyzed testing results to support product safety certifications. Her background also includes engineering experience with American Airlines, the Chicago Transit Authority, and Tuskegee University, where she worked in power-plant engineering, quality inspection, computer-aided design education, and supersonic jet propulsion research. She holds a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and is actively involved with the National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
As a leader, Jolicoeur emphasizes authenticity, empathy, accountability, and creating inclusive environments where team members feel comfortable contributing. She credits the women in STEM who recognized her potential and supported her throughout her career as an important source of her professional success. She encourages young women entering engineering and STEM fields to ask questions, seek help when needed, and avoid allowing uncertainty to prevent them from moving forward. Looking toward the future, she sees opportunities to advance into director and executive leadership while exploring how psychological insights can help create more connected and supportive corporate environments.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Iyana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the many women I have met throughout my career, particularly women in STEM who recognized my potential, saw my desire and drive, and helped open doors for me. Their mentorship, encouragement, and willingness to support my professional growth have played an important role in helping me progress from internships into engineering leadership.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to always be authentically myself and to understand the importance of the PIE method: Performance, Image, and Exposure. Performance is only one part of professional advancement; building the right image and developing relationships with the right people are equally important. I have learned that strong performance should be complemented by intentional networking, visibility, and authentic professional relationships.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If I become stuck or encounter something I don't understand, I believe it is important to reach out and seek support rather than allowing uncertainty to prevent progress. There is no single "wrong" way of approaching a challenge, and asking questions is an important part of learning, developing confidence, and growing as an engineer and leader.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the challenges I have experienced is navigating imposter syndrome, particularly while being one of the youngest leaders in my area. At the same time, I see significant opportunities for advancement into director and executive-level leadership. I am also interested in exploring how psychology can be incorporated into professional environments to help people feel less isolated and create more supportive and inclusive workplaces.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is one of the most important values to me. I believe in being authentically myself in every area of my life while consistently putting my best foot forward. I also value empathy, accountability, collaboration, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable contributing and asking questions.
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