Event Recap: March Meeting at Emerson

by Dallas SWE on in Meetings

On Tuesday, March 17, 2015, Dallas SWE members headed up to McKinney for a joint meeting with the employees of Emerson Process Management at their Regulator Technologies site. The meeting of over 35 attendees included networking and appetizers, before an informational session and a tour of the facility.

Group Photo at Emerson
Group Photo at Emerson

Stephanie Law, Vice President of Marketing and eBusiness, spoke about Emerson’s history, expansion into the international market, and other manufacturing facilities and service centers in Texas. She spoke of her own journey from engineer to marketing professional, from learning presentation skills to becoming a subject matter expert to management. Susan Hughes spoke of her career path to Vice President/General Manager of Tescom, mentioning she had specifically been told she would not have been considered for a position without her STEM background. She mentioned the support she had throughout her life, from her parents encouraging her to a female math professor pushing her into active roles within groups to a higher-up persuading her to apply for a higher position when he noticed her potential. Susan encouraged all the attendees present to take initiative to help girls stay in STEM and other women navigate their careers through inclusiveness, encouragement, and respect.

In keeping with our new tradition, Dallas SWE President Barbara Read (right) took a photo with first-time event attendees Sarah Rivers (right) and Susan Hughes (left).
In keeping with our new tradition, Dallas SWE President Barbara Read (right) took a photo with first-time event attendees Sarah Rivers (left) and Susan Hughes (center).

Following the speakers, Rebecca Hawkins gave a product overview and demonstration of the regulators made by Emerson. Elizabeth Biru have a tour of the flow lab at the McKinney site, including their regulator testing setup and methods.

A special thank you to Chantel Bailey, for organizing the event with Dallas SWE, and our speakers and tour guide for their time presentations. Emerson sponsors SWE memberships for all of their employees: if you work for them, take advantage of that opportunity!  We hope to see all Emerson attendees at future Dallas SWE events!

Mark your calendars for the next Dallas SWE professional development meeting on April 21st! Also, keep a lookout for details about the Joint Professional and Collegiate Leadership Training in April. Details to follow.

Zaineb Ahmad
Dallas SWE – Awards Chair