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Blazing new trails as a woman engineer

October 4, 2021

As a student of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Florida State University, I loved math, science and being challenged.

It was in my roots.

My grandmother’s sister was one of the first women in Venezuela to graduate from college with an engineering degree. 

You might say that blazing new trails is just a day in the life for me.

You would be right.

I’m part of Accenture’s Industry X team of engineers who use the power of data and digital to help our clients redefine the products they make and how they make them—every step of the way.

Why? So they can achieve greater productivity, enable growth, achieve sustainability commitments and ultimately, be more competitive.

The next big thing

Digital technologies such as Digital Twins, Cloud, AI, 5G, Edge, IoT, sensors and robotics (to name a few) are enabling innovation like never before. And COVID-19 accelerated the need for companies to transform their core operations.

Specific areas like product development, design, engineering, manufacturing and the supply chain make up the next big digital transformation frontier. 

It’s one of the reasons Accenture is making a significant investment in growing our Industry X group and capabilities, including a major expansion of engineering capabilities. In fact, we’ve welcomed 4,200 specialized engineers and consultants across 17 countries from umlaut into the Industry X global practice.

So, what does it mean to be part of the Industry X team? 

It means putting my vital skills to good use.

Making a positive difference

One of my proudest work moments to date was an important project needed when COVID-19 first hit. My Houston Innovation Hub team conceptualized a solution to help keep frontline workers safe during the pandemic by designing and producing medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) using 3D printers.

But our vision was much bigger.

After researching the virus and how long it could live in the air, our team designed a reusable, low-cost, easy-to-manufacture mask with a replaceable filter. I was involved in 3D printing, CAD design, procurement of materials and communication with local hospitals that helped test out the PPE.

Working on the Industry X team, I do what I love most—meet new people and listen to their stories. During visits to industrial plants, I spend time with plant engineers, machine operators and even CIOs, asking them my favorite question:

“If you could change anything in your day-to-day work, what would it be?”

I then develop value cases and solution options for my clients’ digital journeys. I take immense pride in making their jobs safer, more technologically advanced and hopefully happier.

One of the most interesting things about being a woman in engineering and technology is the support that women give each other. I’ve been fortunate to find great mentors on the Industry X team who motivate me to bring my authentic self to work and to do my best, every day.

My story is just one example of how we use our ingenuity and the very latest technologies to make a positive impact on the world.

And you can, too.

Join our Industry X team.

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          WRITTEN BY

          Raquel Werner

          Senior Analyst and Industrial Engineer – Houston, TX