Her Story
About Leilani
Leilani Cruz is an engineering student based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is entering her fifth year of studying engineering and plans to graduate this December. Cruz has gained industry experience through two internships, including her current role at Miller Knoll where she focuses on product design for furniture. She particularly enjoys the creative aspects of developing different products and hopes to continue in this area after graduation. As a leader in the National Society of Black Engineers, Cruz served as president of her chapter and guided the organization to both national and regional Small Chapter of the Year awards through initiatives in volunteering, community work, professional development, and academic support. She is also a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Cruz values helping others, serving as a mentor, remaining open to learning from diverse perspectives, and maintaining a strong sense of community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Leilani
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to be open to asking for help, because as a woman in engineering, being one of a few, it's very hard to ask questions because you get scared of being judged. But being open to asking questions as well as putting yourself out there and making sure that your voice is heard in those spaces is very important. So just trying to be vocal and say what you feel, and also finding a mentor has helped me a lot.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Definitely helping people and being someone who is like a mentor and open to learning as well is something that's really important to me. Being open with everyone, having a community of people, being able to talk to different types of people to learn from all of them, so just being open. Keeping hand is always huge for me.
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