On February 16th, Dallas SWE hosted a Networking Night with PepsiCo/Frito-Lay at their headquarters in Plano, TX. The evening included a site tour of the PepsiCo/Frito-Lay R&D facilities, a career panel on impactful professional development topics, and great networking throughout. We kicked the evening off with networking as attendees filled the room while enjoying refreshments and connecting with professionals from across the metroplex. We continued with SWE announcements, and then divided into groups to begin the facilities tour.
The tour began by visiting Analytical Labs in the R&D department, where Food Scientist, Chefs, and Engineers all work collaboratively to bring the best products to the consumers. We learned how Marketing researches and monitors the market for new flavors. We then toured the Seasoning Testing Lab and learned about the air filters in the lab that prevent seasonings from filling the room. We also visited the Microbiology Lab where Dips are designed. This minimizes spoilage and tests them in different incubators. It was interesting to see all the strategy that goes into making Dips last that consumers may not know. We also toured the Packaging Testing Lab where different graphics, seals, and bag designs are tested. We learned about the overall decision-making process to ensure the best product can be accessed by the consumer. This tour provided a glimpse into how much careful thought and consideration was invested into the design of the process. A significant amount of process technology and innovation has gone into that box of granola that we don’t even think about when reaching for that delicious snack! The group also viewed the Sensory Room, where blind tasting is conducted to gather live reactions of new items. We also viewed a portion of the 3,000 square foot culinary kitchen, where up to 10 Chefs are able to conduct taste tasting.
After the insightful tour of the R&D facility, we headed back to the Frito-Lay conference room for the career development panel. Our panelists, Sarah Meyer-In, Dianne Ripberger, Nyima Dansira, and Linda Fawaz answered questions from our moderator, Amy Penner, around technical and soft skills, work-life balance, and mentorship. Highlights from the discussion included stories on running fearlessly, defining your own success, avoiding getting underestimated, and knowing what to try in your career. Stay curious, challenge your ideas, and find mentors that provide different perspectives to learn from.
Dallas SWE would like to thank our tour guides, facility coordinators, and panel speakers at PepsiCo/Frito-Lay for making this event flow flawlessly, from start to end. To our PepsiCo advocates for Dallas SWE, Megan Sullivan and Melody Helms, thank you for your time and gracious support in planning this event! Our joint event had a great turnout and received many positive remarks from our members. It was an impactful night of growing and learning, both technically and professionally!
Finally, Dallas SWE would like to recognize PepsiCo for being a sponsor to Dallas SWE at the Gold level. We appreciate your partnership in supporting our mission and advocating for women in STEM careers.
