Jannie Siriphala

I attribute my success to the people and experiences that have shaped me throughout my life. My grandfather played an important role in my family's immigration to America, and my mother, as a single parent, showed me through her example the determination and hard work required to support a family. I also attribute a significant part of my professional growth to my mentor, Bert Barbosa, who was a former vice president and CEO. His mentorship was especially meaningful because he guided and challenged me without simply giving me the answers, allowing me to develop my own judgment and leadership abilities.

The best career advice I've received is simple: "Just go for it. What do I have to lose?" That mindset has encouraged me to take opportunities, step outside my comfort zone, and move forward even when I wasn't completely certain of the outcome.

I would encourage young women to have the audacity to go for what they want. Don't allow fear, uncertainty, or the possibility of hearing "no" to prevent you from pursuing an opportunity. Face your fears head-on, because doing so builds resilience and helps prepare you for the challenges ahead. I also want women, particularly women entering STEM and traditionally male-dominated industries, to know that they can pursue leadership, make their voices heard, and create opportunities for those who follow them.

One of the biggest challenges I see is inequality in recognition and pay for women in STEM. Women can still feel the pressure to demonstrate their competence and confidence repeatedly, particularly when working in environments where men are the majority. Being an Asian woman and a minority in a predominantly male industry can add another layer to that challenge.

At the same time, I see meaningful opportunities for women in STEM. Organizations that actively sponsor and empower women can create pathways toward leadership and professional growth. I have personally experienced support from leaders who have encouraged me to grow into leadership roles. I also value the different perspectives women bring to technical and engineering environments, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and a solution-focused approach.

Integrity is one of the most important values I strive to live by, and it is also something I value in the people around me. I see integrity as both an example to follow and a personal boundary. I also believe kindness is often undervalued and mistaken for weakness, when in reality it can be a strength. Extending kindness to others matters because we may not know what someone else is experiencing or how that simple act can positively affect them.