On International Women in Engineering Day, we are shining a light on four women whose experiences reflect the many ways engineering can open doors, create opportunities and drive impact.
Their journeys span different disciplines, career stages and perspectives, but they share a common belief: engineering is not just about what you build, but about the possibilities you create for yourself and for others.
Through their own words, they share the lessons and motivations that continue to shape their careers today.
A foundation for growth
After completing her Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Wireless Telecommunications), Leila Sedighi, Vice-President, Product & Marketing, ABB's Installation Products Division, began her career in the electrical industry at a time when women were significantly underrepresented. While her academic background provided a strong technical foundation, she quickly realized that an engineering degree offers something broader.
"Engineering teaches a way of thinking: how to solve complex problems, make decisions based on facts, challenge assumptions and continuously learn. "
That mindset became the basis of a career that would evolve far beyond engineering alone. Over the years, Leila embraced opportunities across sales, product management, marketing, M&A integration and leadership—each new role built on the same foundation of curiosity and adaptability.
Her journey reflects a simple but powerful idea: a degree does not define your destination. It equips you with confidence and flexibility to shape your own path. For Leila, the most meaningful careers are often built by those willing to step outside their comfort zone, stay curious and say yes to opportunities they may not feel fully prepared for.
" Never let your education limit your ambitions. Let it be the foundation that enables you to explore, innovate and pursue opportunities you never imagined possible. "
From learning to leadership
That same mindset of adaptability and continuous learning is reflected in Sandra Pedro’s journey as well.
As Utility Director in ABB's Installation Products Division, Sandra was initially drawn to mechanical engineering for its versatility and hands-on nature. What she discovered early on was something even more valuable than technical knowledge: confidence in her ability to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges.
"I realized what engineering taught me was that I could do anything I decided to learn about. Now it was up to me to do something."
That belief carried through a career spanning engineering, marketing, sales and leadership. Along the way, she developed a strength that continues to define her impact: the ability to connect technical expertise with business needs, translating complexity into clarity and building trust across teams.
"I excel because I can have a technical conversation and translate complex things into common language. I am never afraid of learning what I need in order to be a trusted consultant for internal and external customers."
The power of connection
For Lily Hoyer, Field Application Engineer in ABB’s Distribution Solutions, Smart Power and Smart Building divisions, engineering is defined by opportunity, collaboration and continuous growth. Having spent two decades in the industry, she has witnessed more women entering the profession and bringing new perspectives to the challenges facing the electrical industry.
Lily has held various roles in engineering, each one building new knowledge and methodologies while strengthening her existing expertise in the industry. Today, she works as a liaison to bridge and promote ABB technologies & solutions with consultants and customers, drawing on her earlier experience in engineering and product marketing. She shares that her career has been shaped by curiosity and willingness to explore new aspects of engineering. With a solid engineering foundation, she is confident to step into new fields and thrive in unfamiliar environments.
Along the way, she has learned that the best outcomes are often built through collaboration. "When we work together, we make a bigger impact", she says.
For those just beginning their careers, her advice is simple and practical:
"Learn from peers. Be curious and keep learning. Find a mentor to bounce ideas of and get support."
Seeing yourself in the profession
For the next generation of engineers, technical skills are only part of the equation. Visibility and representation shape what feels possible.
Stephanie Kirichu gained her educational background in Mechanical Engineering before joining ABB, where she now works in the Smart Power Division. As someone who once looked for role models who reflected her own experience, she understands the impact representation can have when choosing a career path.
"Engineering is still a very male-dominated field. I remember even before university, when I was figuring out what I wanted to study, I would look at people working in these fields and really try to find people who looked like me."
Stephanie recognizes how important visibility can be for future generations.
"It’s important to see women thriving in engineering and male-dominated spaces. It helps the next generation see themselves in these careers and envision a future in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). "
As her career has progressed, Stephanie has also seen how experience builds confidence and strengthens a sense of belonging.
"That big voice of self-doubt becomes a tiny voice. If you're there, if you're in a classroom, if you're in a room, it's because you belong there. "
Today, Stephanie finds purpose in knowing her work contributes to critical infrastructure that people rely on every day—from hospitals to airports and beyond.
Inspiring the next generation
While every journey is unique, a common thread connects these stories: engineering creates opportunities to learn, contribute and grow.
On June 23— and every day — we celebrate the women whose curiosity, expertise and leadership continue to move the industry forward and inspire the next generation to see what is possible.
Leila Sedighi 
Sandra Pedro 
Lily Hoyer 
Stephanie Kirichu
