Heimy is an award-winning young engineer who is passionate about women in STEM. She chats to us about her inspirations and the term ‘womengineer’. 

What inspired you to become an engineer?  

I often jokingly say it’s because I like building things and ordering people to build it for me, but it is much more than that—it's the challenge. Being an engineer gives you the freedom to create and innovate to your mind's extent for the betterment of the world. As a kid, I have always been fond of breaking boundaries and showing people what they think cannot be done. I realised engineering was a way wherein all these interests meet eye to eye. Rather than being just a job, it contributes to a productive and rewarding lifestyle for me. 

You are an avid volunteer, particularly for women in STEM. Why is it important for you to volunteer and what did you get out of it?  

It’s very important to me to stick to my ethos. If a person believes in something and is immensely passionate about it, they should fight for it. Actions speak louder than words and you can make a bigger impact by transforming your words into actions, which is why I think volunteering is important. By volunteering, you’re also making a difference and inspiring others to do the same. It’s a selfless act that humbles you, and it is a learning experience for all parties involved. 

As mentioned, I learn as much as the people I teach or mentor. The connections and experiences I have acquired from different experiences are priceless. You need to experience it to know how rewarding it feels. 

You refer to yourself as a ‘womengineer’. Can you tell us more about that?  

It’s a combination of woman and engineer, and it is a symbol of breaking the bias and battling convention. The term is used for the promotion of equality and to show the world that gender or society does not define your capabilities. It’s to inspire people that only you can define yourself— you don’t give that power to someone else.  

What advice would you give to engineers who may be in a similar position to yourself? 

While we’re in the transition stage of our early careers, don’t be scared to be the most clueless person in the room. The only thing to fear is the loss of curiosity and unwillingness to learn. For us to learn, we must sometimes start empty... and that’s okay. I know that the transition stage can be daunting as no one likes uncertainty, but it is a stage of exploration where the learning opportunities are limitless.  

Let your passion drive you to excellence. And if there’s mistakes and bumps on the way? That means you’re human and that these are part of the journey. It’s okay to have moments like this. Use them as lessons and afterwards, move on and stay focused.