Women in Construction Week & International Women’s Day
This important week marks Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day. Since its inception in 1998, Women in Construction Week celebrates women’s achievements, inspires future leaders, and provides resources to strengthen the workforce. In celebration, we have interviewed some of the incredible women at LotusWorks who are making an impact in the industry.
Stormie Mitchell – Lead Commissioning Engineer
Can you share a pivotal moment that solidified your passion for engineering? As a child, I was fascinated by the Water Lab at the Portland Children’s Museum. I loved playing with valves and channels to alter water flow—my poor dad had to drag me out of that room multiple times!
How has LotusWorks supported your growth as an engineer? LotusWorks has been the biggest foundation for most of my engineering growth in my adult life. I have been given the opportunity to understand and operate complex industrial systems that support our daily lives. When I am not at work, I can’t help but stare at all the factories and HVAC systems hiding in plain sight.
What’s been a defining moment in your career? A year ago, we had a small team commission and integrate two first-of-a-kind high loading abatement units. It was a yearlong journey with many ups and downs. Despite the challenges, we made it through! We sat back and watched the new equipment fire up and support the factories. Now that made me happy– cry!
Pauline Keithley – Commissioning Lead
Can you share a pivotal moment that solidified your passion for engineering? I was thrilled to return to our semiconductor site to support a major project startup after a break to raise my kids. I love to watch huge projects come together. My engineering background allows me to solve problems and support the development of team members.
What industry developments interest you the most? Since I was previously involved in UPW (Ultra-Pure Water), reclaim and reuse of water is far more prominent these days. It is incredibly complex to separate waste streams and treat each stream effectively. It’s critical to use our water supply wisely.
How can we encourage more women to enter and thrive in engineering? Supportive teams played a crucial role in my transition back to work. I was initially drawn to engineering through my participation in Science Olympiad in high school but it was great science teachers who also encouraged me to enter this field.
Justine Leeman – Lead Mechanical Cx Engineer
Can you share a pivotal moment that solidified your passion for engineering? In primary school, I had a lot of problems with spelling and reading due to my dyslexia, causing me to be placed in special needs classes. However, I discovered that I had a natural proclivity to math and science where I was able to excel and find my niche outside of the subjects in which I was having difficulty with. This eventually blossomed into my passion for engineering – a solid combination of math, science, and problem solving.
What’s one piece of advice you would share with your younger self? “This too shall pass but enjoy it while it lasts.” Early in my career, I was always focused on the next exam or project milestone. Looking back, I wish I had taken more moments to appreciate the journey rather than always looking ahead.
Did you have any mentors or role models who influenced your career? My father was my biggest role model. He started as an electrician and worked his way up as a Principal Engineer. I was able to witness firsthand his work ethic. I also had an “anti” role model—a professor who told me I wouldn’t make it as an engineer because of my poor handwriting. Needless to say, he was wrong, and his doubt only motivated me to strive harder in my studies.
Merissa Rivera – Global Cx Coordinator
What industry developments interest you? I’m fascinated by the use of digital twins in construction and manufacturing. The ability to create a digital replica of a project before physical construction optimizes pre-construction planning and streamlines operations. I also find the “in-the-box” approach intriguing—testing equipment offsite before deployment reduces startup time and costs while improving safety.
Can you describe a typical day in your role? No two days are the same, and that’s what I love most. My work varies based on project needs, but I enjoy shaping new processes for our Global Commissioning team and collaborating with different sites to track progress and drive improvements.
What’s one piece of advice you would share with your younger self? Say yes to opportunities, even if you don’t know exactly how to do them. You’ll figure it out along the way, and the right people will support you. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Go back to school or take that job that you thought you couldn’t do. You might surprise yourself at what you can accomplish.
Mary Culloty – Cx Lead
Can you share a pivotal moment that solidified your passion for engineering? Taking Physics and Honors Math in high school sparked my interest in engineering. A family friend studying Electrical Engineering and Microelectronics at University College Cork helped me realize it was the right path for me. That conversation set me on my engineering journey!
What industry developments interest you the most? Having spent a lot of my career in semiconductors, I am always interested in new advances in that industry. I am especially interested in the EUV tools as I was a Litho engineer for almost 10 years and worked on previous generations steppers/scanners.
How can we encourage more women to enter and thrive in STEM? Encouraging young girls to take Math, Physics, and Chemistry in high school is crucial. Additionally, companies need to provide flexible work arrangements and support programs for women returning to work after career breaks. Companies need to recognize the skillset that women have and the contributions they can make going forward
Roisin Power - BIM Manager
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that solidified your passion for engineering?
The fast pace in the automotive & battery industry showed me how much I loved engineering; we accomplished incredible things in impossible timeframes and the sense of accomplishment was unparalleled.
How has LotusWorks supported your growth and development as an engineer? LotusWorks has had my back in every role I’ve worked through with the company. They’ve supported every step up the ladder and always listened to me & taken my feedback seriously, which means more than you can imagine in such a male dominated industry.
What are some key industry developments that interest you? The prevalence of BIM in the industry is a massive step forward to me, I love the leaps we’ve made in the past few years and I’m excited to see what we do in the next 5-10 years!
Luz Páez-Richard – Commissioning Lead
Can you share a pivotal moment that solidified your passion for engineering? Working on a major EPC project from start to finish was transformative. Seeing months of hard work materialize into a functioning facility reinforced my passion for problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.
What’s one piece of advice you would share with your younger self? It would be to seek out and surround yourself with people who play at a higher level. They will push you beyond your comfort zone and help you grow. Growth happens when you challenge yourself!
Can you describe a typical day in your role? Each day starts with team meetings to discuss tasks, safety protocols, and project status. My role involves field inspections, testing, documentation, and overseeing the project lifecycle. What I love most is continuous learning—every day brings new challenges and opportunities.
Looking Ahead
At LotusWorks, we remain dedicated to empowering women in engineering by encouraging an inclusive and supportive work environment. Through mentorship, professional development, and flexible workplace policies, we aim to inspire and retain the next generation of female engineers. If you’re passionate about engineering and innovation, explore opportunities with LotusWorks today!