When I think of Women’s History Month, my mind immediately pictures figures from history books—women who are often recognized as “the first woman to ___.” These women, typically from previous centuries, are well-known pioneers whose contributions have shaped the world. However, when I was asked to write about Women’s History Month, I challenged myself to take a different approach. Instead of focusing on women of the past, I wanted to highlight those who are making history right now in their fields.
I am currently in my fourth and final year of undergraduate studies in engineering—a field where gender disparities remain a reality. Across all engineering disciplines, women are still underrepresented, though the numbers continue to grow each year. Not long ago, there was no gender ratio at all because engineering was exclusively male-dominated. It took brave, determined women to break those barriers, and it takes many more to keep pushing for progress. That’s why I want to recognize the women who are currently making history—those who have chosen to pursue engineering and continue to face challenges every day.
Throughout my four years in this program, I have witnessed the profound impact female trailblazers have on the engineering community. Much like the student body, the faculty also struggles with gender representation. However, the women who are part of it are, for lack of a better word, true “girlbosses.” A sign of true success, in my opinion, is when a woman’s excellence is recognized without the need for gender qualifiers. I don’t say, “She’s one of the best female professors we have”—I simply say, “She’s one of the best professors we have.”
While these women may not be the next faces on our currency, they are shaping the future by creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the next generation. Whether through leadership in student organizations, mentorship, or simply representing women in the field, every woman in engineering today carries both the honor and the responsibility of paving the way for those who will follow.