Embarking on a career in engineering at the age of 16 was probably the single best decision I have ever made. That may seem like a bold statement – but it is true.  

At the time, that career decision could have gone in any number of directions … I gave serious consideration to a career in medicine, a career in humanitarian aid, and a career in the law … each of which I am certain would have brought its own rewards.  

But I consider myself very lucky that I made the decision I did, because this career has uniquely enabled me to: 

  • Visit and live in a variety of locations around the world, expanding my horizons with the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures 
  • Build an eclectic, international group of friends 
  • Develop a deep understanding of a wide variety of different industry sectors to understand their needs, and then use technology to help solve their challenges 

And it’s this latter point which makes me realize that my career hasn’t really been in engineering at all… instead my career is maybe best framed as how do we meet the needs of people and the planet, using technology and engineering. 

For me, this is where the beauty of a career in engineering shines through. And this is the reason I have no qualms about recommending this career path to any young adult.  

Technology is a critical enabler for all our lives today. Without wanting to be over-dramatic, I dare say the key challenges facing our planet and our societies cannot be solved without technology.  

We need more engineers and more technologists than ever before, and we need a diverse set of minds looking at these key challenges so that we can design the best solutions quickly.  

Unfortunately, however, according to recent data: “representation of women in IT is trending in the wrong direction. In 2022, more than half of companies lost 20% of their tech workforce to attrition, with women technologists (16%) leaving at a higher rate than men (13%).” 

Unlike when I was 16, there’s now a plethora of great organisations supporting and encouraging women into technology and engineering careers – WomenTech Network, GirlsWhoCode, GirlGeekX, CodingGirls, IEEE Women in Engineering – to name a few.  We all need to get behind these organisations, as allies, patrons and supporters – to help ensure we have a healthy pipeline of young adults preparing to enter this immensely rewarding career path and to take on the most pressing challenges of our society. 

— Aileen Ryan, President & Chief Executive Officer, RAIN Alliance

Keep reading for a look at some of the incredible women in engineering and technology that I have the privilege of knowing and working with, and that are inspiring the next generation of women to embrace this career path!


As a woman in STEM, championing the next generation of women in STEM is a priority for me. To strengthen this pipeline, I have established and led women-focused resource groups at MIT, GE, and Impinj. I’m delighted to see a growing number of women participating in RAIN Alliance activities and encourage more to take advantage of leadership opportunities. By leading the Plastic Packaging Tiger Team and the Application Identity Workgroup, I gained insights from participating industry partners in other parts of our supply chain and was honored to receive the Distinguished Leadership award. 

–Megan Brewster, Vice President of Advanced Technology, Impinj 

 

 

As we take the first steps on the long road to gender equality, it is imperative for women to be present in all industries. Historically, women have successfully occupied their places in leadership and technical roles, leading teams and solving complex problems. As challenging as it can be, it is rewarding to see women in engineering professions, including many roles in the RFID Industry. To all of them – and to all men allied with the cause – I wish a happy and meaningful International Women in Engineering Day. 

–Barbara Dunin, Director of ESG, Marketing and Communications, Beontag 

 

 

 

In my 12+ years in the RFID industry, I’ve focused on crafting optimized solutions that make a difference. Working with Arizon RFID Technology, I’ve contributed to projects for global brands like Uniqlo, Wal Mart, and ZARA. Being part of RAIN APAC Group allows me to share insights and collaborate, strengthening RAIN’s impact and visibility in the industry. 

–Amy Lu, Deputy Sales Director, Arizon RFID Technology 

 

 

 

 

From sharing insights at Asian Members Connect to providing innovative training modules, I’m proud to bridge technology and leadership as a woman engineer, driving RAIN Alliance’s growth and innovation. 

–Anshrah Neyaz, Senior Technical Consultant, ID Tech Solutions   

 

 


I am honored to be one of the co-founders of RAIN Alliance together with Impinj, Google and Intel, while I was at Smartrac. It is incredibly gratifying, and humbling too, to continue to see just how far RAIN Alliance has come in the past 10 years. I am confident that what’s ahead for RAIN Alliance is even more transformational as our industry continues to focus on what’s most important to end users as the compass for all that we do. 

–Enu Waktola, VP, Global RFID Business, r-pac International  (co-founder of RAIN Alliance) 

 


I find inspiration in collaborating with the RAIN alliance, dedicated to building a future where RAIN embodies sustainability. Leading the Digital Product Passport workgroup is an honor, allowing me to move the industry forward with a unified voice for sustainability and expertise. Together, we’re steering towards a sustainable future, leveraging RFID technology to drive the transition towards a circular economy. 

–Femke Zijlstra, Sustainability Digital Solutions, Avery Dennison