Latest / AccessCo Leaders Career Conversations / The More Points of View, The Better
Transcript
- Ilyne Deliquina: Welcome back to AccessCo Leaders Career Conversations. get to host this session with our students from New Hope-Solebury ⁓ our incredible guests from DSM Ferminich Yvonne Martinez. Welcome, Yvonne. Ivonne Martinez: Thank you. Thank you so much for having me here. Hi, ladies. I'm excited to be here. Ilyne Deliquina: off. Great. Yvonne, can you tell us in the simplest terms, what is it that you guys do at DSM and what do you do as a senior manufacturing engineer? Ivonne Martinez: Yes, so DSM Ferminich has a whole, it's a huge corporation, but we are under the biomedical branch. So what we do here is medical implants. more like during surgeries, not cosmetic implants, it's for bone reconstruction or artery closure. Like any surgeries that you will go through, some of the implants that we do are used for that. As a senior manufacturing engineer, I support operations or the production lines. You have your manufacturing lines. ⁓ I support from ⁓ doing validations of raw material or any changes in your equipment or process or improving our processes, reducing any waste, ⁓ then updating documentation if anything goes wrong or we have some. Ilyne Deliquina: Excellent. Ivonne Martinez: customer complaints, identify the root cause of that and implementing changes. So my role, it's a little bit cross-functional. So I had to work with the maintenance department, with operations team, with quality team and our projects are also cross-functional. So I'm constantly working ⁓ with all those teams. Ilyne Deliquina: Awesome. So what I'm hearing, Yvonne, is that you are a true engineer. You've got to work with the things, with the machines, but you also spend a lot of time with people, which is amazing ⁓ to have that balance. Yvonne, can you tell us, where did you grow up and where are you located now? Ivonne Martinez: Yeah, so my journey has been a journey for sure. I am originally from Mexico. I was born in Mexico City. My family moved to Texas when I was a kid. I grew up, I did all my elementary and college in Texas. ⁓ I went to the ⁓ University of Texas Pan American, so it's ⁓ south south of Texas. ⁓ Once I, my major was in manufacturing engineering. Other universities called that ⁓ industrial engineering, but it's the same. It's working with manufacturing companies, establishing production lines. And after college, I got a job offer over here in Pennsylvania, at the suburbs of Philly, like in the Westchester area. And I've been in this area, northeast for 10 years now. So I love it up here. It's just beautiful. Ilyne Deliquina: What a change going from not just Texas, but the south of Texas all the way up to the suburbs in Philadelphia. That's amazing. And you've been there 10 years and you shared with me earlier that you've been with DSM for coming up on six years. So congratulations. I know they're a wonderful company. Now let's rewind a little bit. ⁓ Tell us a little bit of what you were doing in middle school and high school. What kept you busy outside of school? Ivonne Martinez: Mm-hmm. Thank you. Yes. So, ⁓ well in, in school, I focused a lot in sports. So I was in the soccer team and in the track and field team, I used to do the 300 hurdles. and outside of school, I supported my family. We, ⁓ my mom had a chocolate fountain business. those, ⁓ I don't know if you are familiar with those that the fountains like chocolate fountains for parties. ⁓ my family had pretty big ones. It was like five foot tall. they're large. machines and we will take them to weddings and quinceañeras during the weekends and just have that as part of like the event. So I supported my mom and the family business with that. So growing up all my weekends I was at a wedding. So I was waiting supporting that and just helping the family with it. Ilyne Deliquina: That's awesome. Now I really want some chocolate. But what I'm hearing is that you spent your weekend supporting your mom, who's an entrepreneur. And I learned in the green room that you're also an entrepreneur. Can you spend a minute sharing with us what it is that you do as your side hustle after being an engineer all day? Ivonne Martinez: Mm-hmm Yeah, yeah, I would love that. Yeah, so growing up with my parents being entrepreneurs, I guess also has sparked that in me. When I was in college, I just as my career as an engineer, I have to wear safety shoes. And the safety shoes available for women were exactly the same as men, but they just had pink laces and they will call it like shoes for women. And I'm like, no, no, no, like, I'm a really I like fashion and I'm like, If they can make them look ugly, we can make them look pretty. So I decided to just say, you know what, let's do it. Let's go how far we can go. And I design and manufacture fashionable steel shoes for women. And now I sell that. That's on the side. An engineer during the day and outside of work, I am an entrepreneur and selling my shoes. Ilyne Deliquina: What a superpower, I love that. If they can make it look ugly, we're gonna make it look cute. That is amazing. All right, we're gonna shift over to the students now and let them ask you questions. And I'm so glad that you were able to share about your other business being an engineer and women's fashion. So let's hop over to Jocelyn. What's your first question, Prevon? Ivonne Martinez: Yeah. Joslin: Yeah, so obviously going from, you know, your day job manufacturing and plants and also growing up in your family business with working with machines for the chocolate fountains and now doing shoe manufacturing and design. Those are very different types of things to be manufacturing design. How was that switching over to more of like a fashion area or adjusting to like what was different about it? Ivonne Martinez: That's a great question. Thank you. ⁓ There was definitely a lot to learn. I am a really curious mind, so I like to read and learn more. the side of like manufacturing, one of the great benefits of like my career is like we can take a concept or something and define the process of how to make it. So whether it's shoes, whether it's ⁓ medical implants or quite like creating a production line. So that part for me came in easy, but the part of like the fashion, how do you design? How do you create your advertising and your ads? That creative mind was something that I had to learn and had to reach out for help, which is important. And that's something that I've learned through this process that it's okay to ask for help. There's people that will guide you or they know their path in those areas. You don't have to know everything and it's fine. So it's reaching out to those experts. I use a lot of ⁓ upwork. So there's a lot of freelancers ⁓ and I reach out to them and, can you help me design? I have this abstract idea or like what I want for the shoes. Can you help me design this? Like I don't have the tools or the skills to do the drones. And that's how I just ended up creating. years later, I have the shoes. It became a life. Ilyne Deliquina: That's great. So there was an issue. You wanted to have cute steel toe boots. You figured that out, but you don't have all the skills. So you brought the team together to make that happen for you. And as I always share with the students, that kind of skill does not just belong in manufacturing. You can use that skill in any industry. So thank you, Yvonne, for sharing that. Let's go to Elizabeth, your first question. Ivonne Martinez: Mm-hmm. Elizabeth V: How did you decide on your career path of being an engineer and what steps did you take after high school to get that started? Ivonne Martinez: Yeah, that's a great question. And it's, I think it's a really inspiring story. So growing up, I was always told that I was good with math. ⁓ I mean, I love math. And I was always told that I should do something related to math and be in finance or accounting. And that's all I knew that I didn't know any female engineers. So when I signed up for college, I was like, OK, that makes sense. I'm good with numbers. I like numbers. I can do finance. And my first day of college, when you're signing up for your classes and deciding ⁓ what to do, it's like your orientation day, I stumbled upon a table ⁓ with all the different ⁓ clubs that they had there. And I passed by the women in engineering club and the electrical engineering and the manufacturing engineer and all the engineering classes that they have there. In that moment, I was just like, stroke. And I started running down the list of What do I like to do? I am a really curious mind. I like to know how things work. I like to fix things. I'm good with numbers. And it was the first time there that I saw a female engineer and that I could see myself that as an option, which I believe is why it's really important to have representation and show ⁓ it's possible, that any career is possible. ⁓ just, in that moment, I went down the list ⁓ everything checked. ⁓ like this. I enjoyed this. I enjoyed this. And it all aligned with engineering. So in that moment, I was, I'm going to be an engineer. And I went to see my counselor to sign up for my classes and I changed the spot. And when I went home, I was like, mom, guess what? I'm doing engineering. And since then, I just love it. I fall in love with it. It's what I was meant to be. So my recommendation as you're looking into Focus on what you enjoy, what you're good at and what brings you joy and energy. And don't limit yourself. See like the careers and also it's good to see other people's others careers and just make sure you have that list of what brings you joy. Ilyne Deliquina: Yes, Yvonne, I love that. brings you joy? And our ladies, when you get to know them in the next few minutes, you're gonna hear that they are already going through this process. And I love what you shared that, again, it was a decision that kind of happened by accident. You didn't have any other engineers around you. You were having the conversations. You made this decision. What we're doing with Access Code Leaders is making sure that these conversations happen on purpose, right? We're being intentional about. the exposure to the students and the different careers that they get to have. So thank you for representing the engineers out there. Great question, Elizabeth. Let's go to Katie, your first question. Katie D: So you did mention that engineering is a widely ⁓ male dominated job. I'm not sure if you know the stat, ⁓ women only make up 13 % of the engineering jobs right now. But for your personal business, it is ⁓ navigated towards women. I mean, that is your clientele. How do you ⁓ change or how do you work with those two different communities on a daily basis? Ivonne Martinez: I like that. ⁓ So at DSM where I work right now, it's the first company that I am able to work with many female engineers, which is one of the things and great things that I like about this company that I get to work with a lot of engineers. There was a, there's been times that the room is just full of female engineers and there's just either one. Men or just it's all of us and that's it and that brings me so much pride and joy and to see that and see how it's moving and that percent of female in it Women in engineering is growing But my experiences in other companies where I've been the only engineer the only female engineer and the youngest one ⁓ that Created different challenges, but it was a good challenge because he taught me to be ⁓ secure of myself to always speak up. And now that I'm in a position that I can, that there's other female engineers, I can let that open the door and have shared the space with other female engineers and encourage them to feel secure in their assessments. And that ⁓ even if you're in a room full of men, your voice is valuable and you have valuable input to do that. So don't ever hold back on that. ⁓ for my shoes and how that translates into my shoe business. When I was planning and I was ⁓ pitching this idea to different investors or different people, a lot of men used to say, why do you want pretty shoes? And ⁓ my response was like, with all your respect, you're not my target audience. My audience is females, like it's women. how, like ask your wife, how many shoes does she have? Like she loves fashion. How many shoes? I have a bunch of shoes. I love shoes. love even my glasses. I'll change them depending on what I'm wearing. So that is like knowing your audience. And just because something hasn't been done doesn't mean it's you can't or it's not meant to be. Like there's always room. And my purpose is always to give women. to make them feel that they belong. We belong in these spaces. Just because we don't have pretty shoes or just because we're the only female in the group, we belong there. Ilyne Deliquina: That's right, Yvonne. And we will have pretty shoes because of people like you that notice it and need to fix it. Quick story, though. I just remember when ⁓ flat shoes, the comfortable ones, were not as cute. Now there's so many cute flat shoes. So let's go. Keep on seeing those problems and finding those solutions, not just as an engineer, but ⁓ in being creative, which I know we have a roomful of creative women here. Let's go to Diane, your first question. Ivonne Martinez: Yeah. Dianne Aludino: Hi, so I just wanted to say that ⁓ your story is so inspiring, especially considering the job industry today and you being a brilliant woman in STEM and engineering and really being confident in that and you're giving so much great advice. So I just wanted to ask if you faced any challenges along the way in your field and how did you overcome them? Ivonne Martinez: First of all, thank you so much. I appreciate you telling me that. And yeah, I've had several challenges that helped me grow. And I believe that the most important one was to remember that I am capable, that I'm smart. Sometimes you're put in rooms as like, as a young engineer, as a young professional, when you're working with people that have been in the industry for many years than you, ⁓ you can feel... that your ideas may not be the best ideas and you will hold back and you don't want to share those things because probably you're not seeing. But one of my great mentors, one of my first bosses, he was also an engineer and he said, like, I really want to hear your thoughts because I am seeing the path this way, path forward, but you are seeing it from a different point of view. And just because you're seeing it differently doesn't make it wrong. I want to see all the views so that we can target and make the right fixes, make the right decisions. And the more different points of view, the better. So that helped me overcome that challenge or that fear of voicing my thoughts and solutions. And through the years, I became more secure in myself and be able to speak out loud and speak in meetings and say, hey, this is what I think and this is what I believe. At beginning, it was kind of scary, but As you're growing into it, ⁓ I've learned to be more comfortable with that, but I encourage every one of you to always share your thoughts, believe in yourself and the way you see things and when you analyze things, they're right, just because other people see it differently doesn't make it wrong. Ilyne Deliquina: that is such wisdom that can be applied again into many different areas in life. feel like sometimes I have to be reminded about that. again, remembering that whether it's your culture, your industry, ⁓ your age, all of that, your perspective has value. So thank you for that encouragement, Yvonne. Let's go back to Jocelyn, your next question. Ivonne Martinez: Thank you. Joslin: Hi, yeah, building off of what you were talking about, I was wondering if you have any advice for us as young women in making those moves to speak out, especially in environments that are intimidating or step out of our comfort zone. Ivonne Martinez: Yes. So I know I can get nervous even for speaking with you guys. I know I get nervous and anxiety before speaking up. But one thing that has ground me and I have learned is to do like breath work, breathing, relax your nervous system, yourself you're safe and that you're safe to speak, that your words are valuable, your thoughts are valuable, and confidently share those those thoughts about it, your thoughts and people will see them, will value them. And if you encounter people that will not hear what you're saying, doesn't make what you're saying wrong. You remember that what was important was for you to share your voice and share what you think. And then you're putting it out there and whoever ⁓ it's meant to receive it will receive it. And then you did your part. So ⁓ it's a muscle to work because it takes time for some like myself, like I am really have anxiety sometimes and it takes a muscle to work and be able to speak in public or speak with people. But just know that if you have something to say, it's for a reason. So always go with that. Ilyne Deliquina: That's so good. Such practical advice too, to just do that breath work in that moment to calm your system. ⁓ I feel like I have to do it before every show. So thank you, Yvonne. And Elizabeth, your next question. Ivonne Martinez: Yeah. Elizabeth V: Now that you've become more like well settled in your engineering career and you have a lot of experience, what's one piece of advice you'd give to your high school self who wasn't sure like what path she wanted to go on? Ivonne Martinez: ⁓ I love that question. I will tell my younger self. ⁓ Like, go for it. Don't be afraid. ⁓ Everything will work out. And if you stay true to yourself, that's key. Stay true to yourself. It's good to hear feedback from other people, but always go back to your center. Like, what brings you joy? What are you good at? ⁓ then from there, things will open up. Things will always work out. Ilyne Deliquina: You know, and I think I heard a very wise instructor there at New Hope, Sol Berry, share that choosing a career, especially at this age, is not like finding your soulmate. You might, you know, if this is something that you're interested in doing. But like Yvonne said, finding what brings you joy. If you don't like blood, then medical is probably not it for you. Is it closed? No, because there's administrative support to the medical industry. So just continue to help refine and don't, don't force it on you, right? Like if you really struggle with math, don't pick something that's gonna require you to keep crunching the numbers. You're gonna have to know the numbers and understand how to do it and bring that team around you. But just understanding what works and what doesn't work and what, as Yvonne says, brings you joy, right? So great question, Elizabeth. And thank you for always reminding us like, that's what this is about, right? Just hearing more about different industries and careers and getting clearer on what works for you. Let's go to Katie, your next question. ⁓ hold on. Go ahead, Yvonne. Ivonne Martinez: Yeah, and. Sorry, I just wanted to add to that. like, I know I have my career and I have my business. And one thing that I've learned is that you don't have to box yourself. Like it's not what it is and what you have seen and what people like you, you can do more than one or you can do like, it's always like what brings you joy, but it's doesn't have to be so black and white or like what they put you in a box. You can also ⁓ just don't put those walls around you. I will say that. Ilyne Deliquina: Right, right. So just because you're in manufacturing as an engineer, you could also be go out and be a musician, you know, and that could be your side hustle. So thank you, Yvonne, for that reminder that you get to tap into your creative side, ⁓ which may or may not have anything to do with being an engineer at DSM. So don't get boxed in. Let's go to Katie, your next question. Ivonne Martinez: Mm-hmm. Katie D: So engineering is a pretty wide field, just like saying you're going to go into finance or the medical field or anything like that. There are a lot of different avenues that you could take. I was wondering coming out of college, were there any expectations or assumptions you had about your now job that maybe weren't true? Ivonne Martinez: That's a good question. Yeah, so I've worked in different industries, like you said, like engineers pretty wide, and especially in the manufacturing world, because you everything you see, it's been mass produced, there's a there will always be a manufacturing plant for that or a pencil or medical device. So I've worked in different fields. ⁓ There's always some similarities in the manufacturing world, but Like you said, there's different types of engineering and there's always some differences, but what I've seen for everything as an engineer. ⁓ what you're going to school and what you're trained like you have different skills in specific things like chemical engineering, computer engineering, but the core of everything is problem solving and having a creative mind. It's not just, yeah, math is the language that explains how things work, but it's more than that. It's like having a creativity in Genium, which is in Genium, like in Genidia, comes from like being creative. So you apply that creative. to solutions. So it's like, you have a problem, how do we solve this in a creative way, in an engineering way with that in ten you creativity. So depending that will open up so many doors and through the years I've learned which field in which I like to work, I like to be in the medical device industry because I know that my hard work and effort that I put I'm putting into product that's going to go out in the field and help someone. So So it's having your why, you do things, but ⁓ your main skill is it be applied in multiple areas. Ilyne Deliquina: That's right. Thank you for reminding us of the different types of engineering that there are. Even as an engineer, can decide this is the kind that works for me that I'm most interested in that brings me joy. Great question, Katie. Let's go to Diane, your next question. Dianne Aludino: So you talked about earlier about like not being limited or like put in a box and really working towards your true potential So I just wanted to ask how would you advise someone to find like a balance in life? Especially with jobs and side jobs and passions to really avoid getting like burnt out or overwhelmed Ivonne Martinez: That's a great question. You guys are amazing. Have really good questions. ⁓ So my advice will be one to write down. And that's something I come back to it a lot through my career. Write down the list of things that I am good at and that I like to do. I am good at solving problems. I am good at investigating, finding out how things work. And just go down the list of things that you enjoy. ⁓ And then ⁓ what is it like the vision for yourself? How do you vision yourself? What do you want? Like ⁓ one thing could be like I like to help people but I don't envision myself being surrounded by blood because I will faint. I cannot see blood. So maybe going, becoming a nurse or becoming a doctor, I cannot do that because I don't see myself looking at blood. or wounds, but I could work as an engineer to create medical devices that will help people. So in a way, I'm also helping. So it's the things that you like doing and where you see yourself at or where you will see yourself driving and that just get the main, like the more consistent things that were the theme that you're seeing. And from there, kind of find careers that will match that. And that will support the life that you want and support your skills and what will give you the most growth path. Ilyne Deliquina: And it's funny that you mentioned the example that I use as far as I'm not really fun, you I don't enjoy blood, but Diane has shared in the past that she does have an interest in being a nurse and because she comes from a family of nurses. Diane, can you share a little bit with Yvonne what you plan on doing? Like I know you've, and we shared that you have an interest in nursing, but there are so many other things that you're interested in. Ivonne Martinez: Mm. Dianne Aludino: Yeah, so ⁓ like Eileen said, ⁓ I grew up with a family of nurses. My ⁓ parents are nurses, aunts, uncles, so much nurses. So ⁓ especially when I was a kid, I've been exposed to that field a lot. So I'm pretty comfortable with it. And it really inspired me growing up. But then as I grew up, as I navigated through high school, middle school, ⁓ I've discovered that I really have a lot of other things that I enjoy as well. I enjoy ⁓ really networking, talking to people, like doing marketing and being more social with everyone. Ivonne Martinez: Nice, nice. like that. like I said, it's like, don't think we can box ourselves. There's always a branch. Like if you like nursing or you want to go through nursing, could be a job within nursing that could use your skills or vice versa. in marketing world, there's also companies that ⁓ like DSM, for example, we do medical devices, we have a marketing department. But that market environment needs to understand how the medical world works in order to promote the right devices or how to reach to the right audience, which is like, or doctors, nurses, hospitals. ⁓ there's, there's so much in the world. like, like when I said, don't box yourself, you have the talents to find your niche, to find where you will thrive. Ilyne Deliquina: That's good. Diane, do you have a follow-up question for Yvonne? Dianne Aludino: I was just really curious when I was listening to all of the advice that you do. What is the most exciting or interesting project that you've ever worked on, whether it be in engineering or with your business? Ivonne Martinez: ⁓ With engineering, I like challenges. So I like to take on projects that will challenge me, that will make me ⁓ put me in a position where I have to research and learn more, put me outside of my comfort zone. So there was one project that I worked last year, which what we call reliability for equipment. some of our largest pieces of equipment were constantly breaking down. And it was kind of like the black box. No one knew why they were breaking, ⁓ how to fix them, and what to put in place to do that. So I was like, that sounds like a great challenge for myself. So I volunteer and that pushed me to learn how the equipment works and just ⁓ getting the trainings and working with, like I said, it's like you have to go ask for help. And I went and asked for the maintenance team, show me how this machine works. I'm like, asking the questions, the most simple and like, but I'm just asking the question, going to training with the manufacturing. And I was the only female engineer there that had no background in fixing those machines. But I was there because I was curious and to learn how those things work. And at the end, we were able to put a plan in place that ⁓ Over a year, we have saved the company over a million dollars with reducing downtime. So the machines have not broke down ⁓ in major breakdowns and wasting material. So we have success in that. And also we have a good maintenance plan for that. But it was something that put me out of my comfort zone and helped me see this new area. that now I look back and I was like, I actually like this. I could do more projects like this. So stepping out of your comfort zone helps ⁓ because one, like we said earlier, I have a different point of view. not the maintenance team or other people that are constantly working on it. They're not seeing things that I was able to see. So we were able to find great solutions. And two, that also opened up my view that I like doing those type of projects. So now I can do more of those. So yeah, I hope I answered your question. Ilyne Deliquina: Yeah, I think so, ⁓ Yvonne. And I love how, again, you emphasize, and you're not saying these words, but there's this humble spirit about you where like, hey, I'm not so prideful to know all the answers. I'm gonna bring people around me who can help me get those answers. And then you are the one who gets to hold those and figure out the solution. So thank you for sharing that little bit of a challenge. And every business wants to either be able to make more money or save money. And that's what you were able to do through that challenge. You mentioned a few times that you like to figure out how things work. And that's one of the notes I have here for Jocelyn. Jocelyn is ⁓ one of our 11th graders in this program. Jocelyn, can you share with Yvonne some of the things that you're interested in and what you plan on doing after high school? Joslin: Yeah, a lot of what you said resonated a lot with me. I see a lot of your traits in myself, especially when you mentioned, you know, researching and figuring out how things work. I'm always someone who wants to know as much as I can about absolutely everything. That's like a huge part of my life. ⁓ I'm not sure where I will fit into job wise. I don't have a major in mind. So I'm just kind of trying to figure out what that might look for me in the future. Ivonne Martinez: Yeah, so, ⁓ well, don't want to be biased, but engineering is pretty cool. And if you ⁓ resonate with some of the things that I do, ⁓ maybe engineering will be for you. There's a lot of career paths within engineering, but at the end, ⁓ you're just figuring it out. We're meant to like learn how do things work and find a solution in a creative way. So that kind of brings also the fun and just like the joy of it. At least that's where I find the joy. one thing I would say, ⁓ as an advice that I've learned, because I am also one that likes to research and do all this research. And I sometimes find myself so stuck in the research that I don't make the move. And because I think I'm not ready to make the move, but you are ready. So take the steps, go for it. And you can also learn as you're going. So don't, don't hold yourself back as you feeling like you need to learn and research more. Yeah. Research is good. It's important, but it's also important to have to take those steps and bet on yourself because betting on yourself, you will always win. So ⁓ go for it. Don't get stuck in that research because I find myself in those places, but I have to remind myself, OK, we have enough information that we can move forward and then we can continue to learn as we're going. Ilyne Deliquina: I think what you described is that what people say is paralysis by analysis. ⁓ speaking of that, I see Jocelyn ⁓ previously writing her notes. I have that same trait. I like to take verbatim ⁓ notes. ⁓ Jocelyn, what is your follow-up question for Yvonne? Ivonne Martinez: Mm-hmm. Joslin: Yeah, I mean, you kind of just as far as, you know, getting lost in research and I personally I can get stuck, like literally stuck, whether that's in research or process or like not feeling confident in my abilities to do something. So I was wondering for you there was any point in your job, especially being, you know, a female in engineering where you questioned whether you would be able to do it and if so, how you worked through that. Ivonne Martinez: Hmm. Yeah, that voice comes sometimes. So most of the time, every time you're like, can I do this? But ⁓ the more I work on projects, the more I see that I can do it. And so my advice is like, you, you can't, you have the ability, you have the brains, you have the power, you can, you can do it. And even if it doesn't go the way you planned it, or even if you ⁓ I don't want to say fail because there's I don't think there's such a thing like that because you always learn through those lessons if the outcome was not the one you were expecting but you're still learning from that so ⁓ I will Even if that voice is ⁓ you can't do it now Go for it. You can do it and one thing that keeps me on track or keeps me moving forward especially with my shoe business I point I was so scared to start or I didn't think that I could do it. But then I say, you know what, let's go do it. And let's just, what can I do today that will get me closer to the goal? What is one thing that I can do? So instead of getting overwhelmed by the hole and the big picture and like having the shoes, like what can I start with today or any project? Where can I start today? Okay. I can start with this little step. All right. And then, then you do your next step and then you just keep going. And then when you find yourself in a roadblock, then you'll figure out because you have figured it out before, you can figure out next. So when you see that bridge, when you see that bridge that you need to cross, then you'll ask for help, see where who can help you or a little bit more research, but then you'll find a way to cross that. yeah, so even if the voice is there, just keep pushing. You got this. Ilyne Deliquina: Voices there, keep pushing. Yvonne, I do have a follow-up question. You mentioned you had a mentor early on in your career, and you are so wise and encouraging, especially to the women. Is there anyone currently that continues to encourage you through those challenging moments? And ⁓ do you continue to make yourself available in these communities? Ivonne Martinez: So I'm open if anyone would love to reach out and I'm happy to help. is, think it's one of the things I enjoy the most is sharing my knowledge and sharing what I've learned. So then you guys have any other questions or want any support in the future, I'm happy to be available at support. I have... Like currently I don't have like a mentor in business, but I have a lot of people in my surrounding, like in my area that inspire me and that learn. you can always bring in those, those pieces of wisdom, implement them in your career or in your business days. So learning to be confident or learning to trust the process ⁓ within either your career or within your personal life. ⁓ I have incredible friends and ⁓ people I work with that are always inspiring. You always learn something from someone. So ⁓ I encourage you guys to be always open and see like, what can I learn? And just who can inspire me today? there's even if it's someone that ⁓ is not in the field or is not doing something that you think, but it's good to see how they do things. And it's like, how can I? get inspired by this person and what can I learn from them. Ilyne Deliquina: Thank you for that reminder, even for me. ⁓ You can find inspiration and find that encouragement in all different areas. Speaking of that, let's move over to Elizabeth. ⁓ She is involved in many things and interested in different things. Elizabeth, why don't you share with Yvonne what you plan on doing? Elizabeth V: ⁓ I plan on going to college after I graduate high school and I'm specifically interested in the medical field because I like helping people and making like differences in life. So the field of medicine is interesting to me because it combines science, problem solving, and then like the compassion side. And I like the idea of being able to support people who are going through a hard time. Ivonne Martinez: That's amazing Elizabeth. That's really cool. I love that. ⁓ When I was younger, that was one of the things that I thought I could do, medicine, but then I realized I couldn't see blood. So I had to puke it. Ilyne Deliquina: Elizabeth has shared that she enjoys ⁓ math and science. ⁓ is there, mean share a little bit how DSM Ferminich combines ⁓ engineering and medical could be an ⁓ for Elizabeth. Ivonne Martinez: So, yeah, so here at DSM Biomedical, have like, we call running business, which is our manufacturing plant, but then we also have our research labs. or R &D, ⁓ our research and development team, ⁓ a lot of them have ⁓ a biomedical medical background that helps them like work with these new devices. So it's like the new technologies that they are working on. It's not what I'm working with because it's as being produced for production for outside world, but it's like what's coming next. So they work closely with doctors. So they have to understand how the finished product needs are, the customer's needs. will be the doctors, the hospitals and the patients and what it's the market looking like. So do we have an increase or a need for? ⁓ measuring the diabetes, like the blood pressure or things like that, that they can take the market and how it's changing and the needs of the people and they can bring it into the labs and do the research and create new devices that ⁓ in the future will be for production and eventually reach the customers and help people. so it's multiple ways that you can put that science, math and innovation in your passion for helping and wanting to create something and help people outside, like within either as medical practitioner or even as in a research lab with a company that does medical devices. Ilyne Deliquina: I love that. love that. Elizabeth, what's your follow-up question for Yvonne? Elizabeth V: I wanted to ask, I know that you said math was your favorite subject in school, but did you participate in anything else that kind of has anything to do with the work that you're doing now? Ivonne Martinez: ⁓ When I was in high school, I didn't participate in student organizations. I was mainly like soccer and school and my normal classes. I did took ⁓ college classes, so college credit during high school. for me, that was a way of getting ⁓ advanced and also getting college credits, not expensive. So I don't have to pay those. ⁓ college prices after school. So that was something that I try to do and I'll encourage you, if you guys have that opportunity to take college credits during high school, that will help you ⁓ in the future get ahead and also financially. But when I was in college, I participated in, I was part of the women in engineering team, the society club there, and then also in the manufacturing engineering society club. So that I... like those and it helped me ⁓ promote engineering and show the things that I love about engineering and representing ⁓ engineering and being as a female engineer. Ilyne Deliquina: That's incredible. Thank you, Yvonne, for sharing that. And we're going to shift over to Katie. I don't know, I just had the sense that she's like your creative ⁓ spirit animal. Katie has expressed wanting to go into marketing or something in business. So Katie, why don't you share a little bit more about what interests you and ⁓ what you plan on doing after high school? Katie D: Yeah, so like you, I do enjoy math a lot. I think that it is fun, ⁓ probably for some of the same reasons that you like engineering, where when you're understanding something or when you're working through a challenge, that dopamine hit that you get when you solve that problem is just very, it's so fun to have, especially when you're working with a team. ⁓ With math, I enjoy that, so I am planning to major in something business related, but More so than any school subject, what I find myself gravitating towards ⁓ would be more ⁓ like interaction with people. So I really love leadership, anything with journalism too. I think that not only assisting people, but getting to know them is very fun for me. And I also think that everybody should know how to do it because it's something that you cannot avoid no matter what career you go into. ⁓ So when I'm out of college, I'm thinking of roles maybe in sales or consulting, something that is client facing is what ⁓ I enjoy. Ivonne Martinez: Yeah, that's amazing. ⁓ client facing roles will help you a lot. Will help you grow that, like how to approach people. And I think the key you have in the ability to loving math and how you solve problems. think either if you goal at some point will be there opening a business or running a business or running a company. It's always finding ⁓ what's the problem. Where they want to be, what's the solution, is it, or your client wants to be and what can I do to connect that? What can I help them to get there? And that problem solving, that math, that creativity that you have, just how can we get from point A to point B and how I can help someone get there? So if it's business and that will also being in a consulting role, that will help you a lot because you're getting ⁓ what the people like their needs, like, ⁓ this is not working or I want this. And then You can take that information that you have, what you can provide, and then you create a solution for them. that's, that's something that, that I, I think it's a ⁓ great career and that I'm finding in also, ⁓ becoming curious about that too. Like maybe consulting, it's also a ⁓ good way to, to just have that creative and so problem solving mind constantly running. Ilyne Deliquina: being able to solve problems, that's a great skill, superpowers we'd say. Katie, what's your follow-up question for you, Katie D: First of all, I think it's very cool that you're also looking into consulting. think that you and I both, it's the same kind of mindset of ⁓ just solving problems. It's kind of the feeling that you get when you do that is so rewarding. ⁓ My question was, I feel like a lot of times, whether it's school or work, people kind of get in this mindset of, you know, when I finish this day, I'm done. So. That means they're less likely to start new hobbies or even businesses, which is what you're doing. So I was wondering if there are any traits that you've seen stem from your personal business, like positive traits that have now carried over into your engineering job. Ivonne Martinez: Yeah, thank you. So. The thing that I learned the most with my ⁓ few business or the business was the, can I focus on right now to get me ahead ⁓ or to like keep moving that? ⁓ Because when you see a big project or, and that's something that I keep applying in every aspect of my life. Like when I want a big change. you sometimes can get overwhelmed by the big picture and like all the things you can you have to do and like what it will take you to get there. But if we can focus on one thing that we can do now, that will help me advance and help me get there. That has bring also a lot of peace and like relief and like release some of that anxiety. I was like, OK, now I can focus ⁓ like leaving leaving work behind or like going up to work, going home and trying to like, how can I use my energy into something that I want. right, so we have this thing that we can focus now. it's like knowing that if you put your energy in that, it will get you forward. Then that pressure or that mind of like thinking, ⁓ I'm not doing this. So like going back and forward kind of disappears. So you're able to put all your energy into completing that task. And then once you complete that task, you're like, ⁓ cool. Let's move to the next one. then sooner or later you turn around and you see like, ⁓ wow. We're almost done. Ilyne Deliquina: That was really cool, Katie, how you flipped it. Not that your engineering impacts her side hustle, her business, but how did that business impact what you're doing full time? So really creative thought process there, Katie. Katie, what did you pick up in our conversation today with Yvonne? Katie D: Next up that when looking at a career, it doesn't have to be a straight path and instead of focusing on maybe things like a salary or specific ⁓ goals long term, you I'm starting this right after college and I want to see myself at this CEO role at the same company in 20 years and more so making it personal and saying, you know, what are my skills? What do I like to do and how can I kind of capitalize off those instead of making it kind of an external thing relying on your company or the career that you're in. Ilyne Deliquina: That's awesome. You definitely absorbed that. Now I'm gonna shift over to Diane, but for Diane and Elizabeth, I know you guys have both expressed that you wanna go into medical, which is amazing and we love encouraging that, but I love that we're able to share that there are so many different things that you can go into in that medical ⁓ industry and that world. So thank you guys for continuing to express if that's what you wanna do. So Diane, somebody like you who has decided, really wanna go in the medical direction. Did you pick up anything new from Yvonne today? Dianne Aludino: Yeah, actually, Yvonne actually made me kind of rethink my priorities and what I want to do because your story is really inspiring in a way that you did something that was out of your comfort zone or wasn't a norm. Cause for me, I realized that I've just been comfortable with nursing because I've grew up around it. ⁓ I know what it's like and stuff, but then hearing your story, makes me really think that. Is this really what I want to do? Because maybe it is, but I could also find something that's like different or special to me or something that I haven't come across or gone and something that's really niche. Like I, I'm trying to find a new perspective in looking towards my career and my future and things. Ilyne Deliquina: Love that, Yvonne, look at you making an impact on this next generation already. Jocelyn, we're coming to you. How has this experience, not just this conversation with Yvonne, but all the different interviews that you've been co-hosting, how have they helped you think differently about your future or different career options? Joslin: Yeah, I think they've really helped me to expand my thought process of what's possible and what we're able to do. I've learned a lot about how you can take things that you enjoy as a onset, but also you can like take different careers and merge them together. Like, careers that merge what you like and create something, even if it doesn't already exist, that's more, as Diane said, niche for you to go into depending on what fits your needs. So I think overall I've just learned that there's a lot more out there. such as like a doctor or scientist there's a lot more out there than the broad roles. Ilyne Deliquina: Yes, this is why we have these conversations with you guys. There's a lot more out there. And then finally, Elizabeth, you have been through all of our interviews and career conversations. So I'd like to hear your perspective on how hopping on screen, meeting all these different professionals, how have these conversations helped you ⁓ improve as a leader in your community, in your classes, or even ⁓ improve in your communication? Elizabeth V: I think these conversations have been really beneficial. mean, sometimes I would be scared to like go on Zoom and talk to people I've never met, but I think I've gained a lot of ⁓ experience and like talking to people, interviewing them and hearing advice has been so beneficial. So I think overall the program has been really great. Ilyne Deliquina: Love that. And you know what? I want to tell you, Elizabeth, that I have heard the confidence grow in you from the first sessions to now. So kudos to you and kudos to all the ladies on this call today and the ones that are missing, we'll get them back. Yvonne, you have just a minute or two. Do you have any final words of wisdom and encouragement to share with our ladies from New Hope-Solebury? Ivonne Martinez: Yeah, first of all, I want to say thank you so much. You guys are amazing. Your questions were perfect. We're really good. So you you guys are going to do great. Anything you guys put your mind to, you will do great. Just a little piece of advice. I know you guys are looking to go into college and like this. That's a big decision. But just to remove some of that pressure, just one like go with with with what's calling you. But It's like you take your career and then each career, each path will teach you something. You are the skill. You are what makes you special. It's not just your career. Like, what can I take from this to learn to give me another step to get closer to where I want to be? So I know it's a lot to choose a career and see like, where can I do? And if I make the wrong decision, there's no wrong decision. ⁓ You go for it and then you start learning and that's the key of learning. Why can this career bring me and I've learned from this and then there's other things that you can learn from other careers from other people and you just keep adding that into your tool center and that will get you to where you want to be. So ⁓ you're doing great. You guys are amazing. I can see that you are really smart and confident and I believe you will get to go to great places. So keep it up. ⁓ Bet on yourself and you will get there. You will get where you want to be. Ilyne Deliquina: Bet on yourself, just like you with your shoe business, your pretty steel toe shoes. Tell us again what the name of that company is. Ivonne Martinez: Mm-hmm. Yeah, it's called steek chich. So ST EEL chick CH ICH so steel chich and my website is shopsteelchich.com. We're also. Yeah. Ilyne Deliquina: a senior manufacturing engineer with DSM Ferminich. She's been listening to AccessCo Leaders Career Conversations ⁓ co-hosted by our students from New Hope Silbury including Katie, Diane, Jocelyn, Elizabeth, ⁓ and their instructor, Ms. Sarah Reeder. Thanks so much and we'll see you next time.