Her Story
About Olivia
Olivia Franklin is a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate at the Colorado School of Mines, where she is developing strong foundations in design, systems engineering, and applied research. Her academic experience is complemented by hands-on involvement in advanced engineering projects, including microcontroller systems, CAD-based design applications such as rocket systems, and initiatives focused on improving efficiency and reducing waste. Through these experiences, she has strengthened her technical problem-solving abilities while contributing to collaborative, interdisciplinary engineering environments.
In her current role as an Undergraduate Researcher in the Motion Planning, Active Learning, and Autonomy (MPALA) Lab, Olivia focuses on researching and implementing algorithms for motion planning applications. She also serves as a Bladesmithing Machine Shop Teaching Assistant, where she supports students in metallurgy, machining, and design while promoting safe and effective use of engineering equipment. Previously, she completed a Project Engineering Internship at Build Group, Inc., where she gained industry experience developing construction documentation, optimizing workflows using tools such as Bluebeam, Procore, and Excel, and supporting project coordination and quality control.
Beyond her technical pursuits, Olivia is actively engaged in leadership and extracurricular involvement, including the Society of Women Engineers, Evolve Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Rocket Club, and the Vallejo Irvine Professional Development Program. She also holds a Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional certification, further reinforcing her design and engineering capabilities. Recognized as a Grewcock Presidential Scholar, she is committed to leadership development, academic excellence, and continuous growth. Olivia brings a strong combination of technical expertise, creativity, and collaborative leadership as she continues advancing in the field of mechanical engineering.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Olivia
01What do you attribute your success to?
Her success can be attributed to a strong passion for engineering and science, which continually fuels her intellectual curiosity and commitment to growth. She approaches new opportunities with confidence and courage, consistently stepping outside her comfort zone to take on challenging experiences that foster both personal and professional development. As a recipient of a highly competitive engineering scholarship program in which women represent only approximately 30 percent of participants, she has demonstrated resilience, determination, and academic excellence. In addition, she actively seeks to build meaningful relationships with mentors and role models she admires, leveraging these connections to expand her network and gain valuable insight, guidance, and perspective throughout her academic and professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice she has received is to lean into opportunities as they arise and to approach them with boldness. Embracing this mindset has encouraged her to step confidently into new and challenging experiences, take calculated risks, and remain open to growth even in unfamiliar situations.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
She would advise young women entering the engineering industry to begin building relationships early, including during high school, and to actively seek out mentors and supportive communities that foster collaboration and guidance. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who provide encouragement, knowledge, and professional insight to support long-term growth. At the same time, she encourages stepping outside of comfort zones with confidence and boldness, embracing challenges as opportunities to learn, develop resilience, and advance both personally and professionally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in her field right now is as a student finding the right internships, which can be highly competitive and essential for gaining practical experience and industry exposure. Navigating this process requires persistence, networking, and proactive engagement with opportunities in order to build relevant skills and strengthen professional development early in her career.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to her in both her work and personal life are authenticity and consistently showing up with enthusiasm in everything she does. She places a strong emphasis on integrity, honesty, humility, and collaboration, believing these principles are essential to building trust, fostering meaningful relationships, and contributing effectively in team environments. Equally important is her commitment to family, which serves as her primary support system and strongest source of encouragement, grounding her and championing her throughout her personal and professional journey.
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