June 20, 2025 • 26 mins
In this episode of "All Things STEM With Ashley," we spotlight Men in STEM and dive deep into the inspiring career journey of Warren Richardson, a Systems Engineer in the aerospace industry.
From majoring in Physics to working in facilities management and eventually transitioning into systems engineering, our Warren shares how he navigated the evolving tech landscape and carved a path in STEM careers.
If you're a STEM student, college graduate, or someone looking to make a career change into engineering, this video is full of real-world advice, motivation, and actionable steps.
We talk about breaking into aerospace engineering, the importance of transferable skills, and how persistence plays a huge role in career development in STEM.
Whether you're curious about nonlinear career paths, engineering roles for physics majors, or just love hearing STEM success stories, this conversation is for you.
🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring STEM journeys, career tips, and educational content.
👍 Like, comment, and share if this video resonates with your goals!
Meet Warren Richardson! Warren Richardson is from Southfield, MI. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a Major in Physics and a minor in Mathematics. He has approximately 7 years in Facilities Management and is approaching 2 years in the Aerospace industry. He is currently a System's Engineer for an Aerospace and Defense company. His hobbies include golfing, traveling, watching tv shows/movies, and playing video games. 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more videos on career growth, career journey tips, and more!
From majoring in Physics to working in facilities management and eventually transitioning into systems engineering, our Warren shares how he navigated the evolving tech landscape and carved a path in STEM careers.
If you're a STEM student, college graduate, or someone looking to make a career change into engineering, this video is full of real-world advice, motivation, and actionable steps.
We talk about breaking into aerospace engineering, the importance of transferable skills, and how persistence plays a huge role in career development in STEM.
Whether you're curious about nonlinear career paths, engineering roles for physics majors, or just love hearing STEM success stories, this conversation is for you.
🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring STEM journeys, career tips, and educational content.
👍 Like, comment, and share if this video resonates with your goals!
Meet Warren Richardson! Warren Richardson is from Southfield, MI. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a Major in Physics and a minor in Mathematics. He has approximately 7 years in Facilities Management and is approaching 2 years in the Aerospace industry. He is currently a System's Engineer for an Aerospace and Defense company. His hobbies include golfing, traveling, watching tv shows/movies, and playing video games. 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more videos on career growth, career journey tips, and more!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Hello everyone, and welcome to all things and with Ashley.
I'm super excited. This month we are having our men
in STEM series. So today we have our guest Warren
Richardson here. Warren Richardson is from Southfield, Michigan. He graduated
from Western Michigan University with a major in physics and
a minor in mathematics. He has seven years in facilities
(00:32):
management in almost two years in aerospace engineering. He is
currently a systems engineer for an aerospace and defense company.
For his hobbies, he enjoys golfing, traveling, watching TV and movies,
and playing video games. So today we welcome Warren and
we look forward to hearing about his STEM journey.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
So welcome, all right, thank you for having me, thank
you for everybody.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Yes, of course, So can you first tell us a
little bit about yourself?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Well, just a little bit about myself.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
As i Ashley mentioned, I'm from Southfield, Michigan, but twelve
years of my life I actually spent in Atlanta, Georgia.
Then we moved to Michigan. From that time on, So.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Great, Barren, it was great hanging about yourself and where
you grew up. Now I want to ask you what
first sparked your interest in STEM and made you decide
to pursue it as a career.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Yeah, so it really came back from when I was
a kid. As a kid, I was just always so
fascinated with how things work, what went into like making
it work, the way that they work. I used to
always love like building things, taking apart, putting it back together,
and then just especially and this is kind of like
(01:41):
just like just a.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Little bit of a backstory and just like how it
was made. That was one thing that really fascinated me.
Speaker 4 (01:51):
Yeah, the end, especially as you know, growing up, we
start to see the technology of a lot of things.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
You started to change in advance.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
So that was just one thing that as a kid,
like I just kind of like always seen it was
just always just fascinated with it.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
So what inspired you to select physics as your major
during your collegiate years?
Speaker 4 (02:11):
So it's funny because my major was actually mechanical going
into college. It was actually mechanical in high school I
did doing roaming programs. So I ended up graduating high
school with my associates degree excellent. So fast forwarding, and
this is when I was trying to find a college
at that time I was at trying to find a
(02:31):
college that would take most of the college credits that
I received in high school.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
But looking back.
Speaker 4 (02:38):
On it, like even when I transferred, yes, they took
a lot of credits, but when it counted towards mechanical,
it still put me just like an incoming freshman. But
I just had a lot of credits as an incoming freshman,
So technically I was classified i'll probably say around like
a sophomore. But when it came to mechanical, still starting
(02:59):
from the and then as like time progress, I didn't
really see a drive too much for mechanical, And then
I got into I started to find more of a
passion with physics. So I ended up switching to physics
a little bit late in mechanical, but I did shorten
my time, even though I did do five years, it
(03:21):
did short in my time with switching to physics, and
I just found more of love with physics just with
every class that I took excellent.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
So also I saw mathematics was your minor, So what
intrigued you to do that while you already had your
physics major.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
Yeah, so I think that anybody who pursues like an
engineering major I think they can relate if you take
like those two extra math classes. Usually like they'll just
give you like the math minor.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
But when I switched to.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
Physics, it would was more. I ended up taking like
a bunch more math classes.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
So at that point it was it was like a
gimme for me to.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
Receive the math minor because of like the the extra
math class that I took.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Can you list some of the extra math classes you
had to take with physics? Let me think I'm sorry,
I'm putting him on the spot, y'all. Algebra, what is
something that helped you like get that minu Like you
said the extra classes.
Speaker 4 (04:28):
I think one of the hardest ones that I took,
for sure was Theory of computation, And there was a
class that was based off.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Of knowing.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
Why a problem, like basically knowing why two plus two
is four, and you actually had to elaborate why it
equals for but in like mathematical terms. Definitely the hardest
class that I took, But that was that was one
class for sure. Analytical physics was another one. It's just applications, yeah,
(05:07):
and applications of physics. But I'll per say that those
two were like the big ones.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
So y'all check out those if you're ever a physics
major or you want that math minor.
Speaker 3 (05:18):
I didn't even know those existed. What you just need
either of.
Speaker 4 (05:21):
Those two Quanta mechanics is another. Yeah, definitely even just
trying to understand like things of that nature.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Yes, thank you.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
So were there any challenges you face growing up that
may pursuing a STEM career difficult.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
I didn't really start having challenges per se until my
college years. One of the biggest challenges, you know, when
it comes to like the STEM classes, I would see,
in general, you really gotta work hard because those classes
really will test your mental especially if you know when
(06:00):
you're in school, exams come around, finals come around, it's
like you're pulling late nights. So it definitely touched you.
And then post college I would probably say I definitely
would say when it comes to applying for different roles.
(06:21):
I think that's also because the engineering field it's definitely competitive. Yeah,
so when it comes to that that it's a little challenging,
but you have to apply yourself.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
I love it.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
So, Next I want to ask, can you share any
mentors or role models that have influenced your journey in STAMP.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I would probably I'll say, like the first mentor that
I've ever.
Speaker 4 (06:44):
Had, and this was when I began my journey in
the facilities world. His name was Jeff Hoskiss and I
started in high school as like an intern and then
it slowly started to regrets to me becoming part time
and then eventually full time. But he kind of mooded
(07:07):
me a lot of like my technical skills, which like
just kind of helped me in the long run.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
And then as but.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
As far as like role models, I don't have any
role models at the moment, but I do have like mentors.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
I for sure have to give you your credits. You
you are one of my mentors.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
Definitely have been helping me in my journey, even you know,
from the first time that we met. You definitely have
gotten me connected, even just providing me like.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
Career advice, you know, just going forward.
Speaker 4 (07:45):
And I also have to throw in another one of
my mentors for sure, and shout out to all the
women in STEM. I have to Sonia Dallas. She's kind
of been giving me like some good advice coming forward.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
That's excellent. Thank you for sharing.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
So now we're going to get into your accomplishments. What
is one project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of during
your stam journey and career.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
One thing that I would say that I'm proud of
this would have to be more, I would say, like
more of an accomplishment with the last company that I
worked for actually saved.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Them money when it came to.
Speaker 4 (08:27):
Like I would say, maintenance procedures. I ended up doing
a lot of things hands on instead of them having
a company come out and they have to pay thousands
of dollars to make a lot of different fixes or
just ordering things. I kind of just took initiative to
learn how to do it and just apply what I
(08:49):
learned to actually making those fixes, whether it was like
maintenance wise or just business wise in general.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
That's excellent. Congrats on that.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
So now I want to talk about how you're a
systems engineering Now, how did you decide to transition from
what you were doing.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
To systems engineering?
Speaker 4 (09:11):
Yes, yes, So prior to me becoming a systems engineer,
I was actually in like just part of my backstory
throughout college I was in I was kind of always
going back to my job with the City of Farmington
Hills and that was an internship that I had when
(09:33):
I was actually in high school and then ended up
working part time as a facilities coordinator. So I always
would like go back and like work every every summer,
even every break. Yes, I skipped all the breaks, even
spring break. I would go back and work. He would
(09:54):
skip every break. But yeah, So so started there up
going full time post college as a recreation supervisor for
a quality of facilities.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
So I did.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
About a year in that role, and then at that point,
I'm like, Okay, you know, I have my major. I'm
ready to pursue my career, and it's you know, it's
like it's time to get It's like now, I'm not
gonna say now or never.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
It's never too late. I want to put that out there.
It's never too late.
Speaker 4 (10:23):
But for me, I felt like it was now for
me to kind of take that next step, and so
I ended up resigning from that position. I ended up
working part time just to get a little bit of
experience in the.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Industry while I'm applying for other roles.
Speaker 4 (10:37):
I end up doing another part time gig in an
aerospace company, and I they manufactured metal powders for like
aircraft and things like that. So I started there and
then like from that time, I was just kind of
applying and applying and applying. Didn't really have a specific
(10:59):
role that I said I was looking for, but whatever
fit me, I applied for it. And system engineer definitely
was the one that stood out the most, I can
say that, and that was the role I went with.
It was the first one that I applied for, the
first one I had.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
An interview for.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
I love it.
Speaker 4 (11:18):
And yeah, so that's that's kind of how I got
into systems engineering.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
That's great.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Thanks for so now she says how you got into
systems engineering. Do you mind sharing an overview of what
systems engineering is for the audience.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Yeah, so as a system engineer, just a little bit
of an overview. A system engineer maintains bills, designs systems
just to meet company needs. We use a lot of
our technical skills to make it more efficient. I work
a little bit more on like the maintaining side, where
(11:53):
it just deals with like a lot of trend analysis,
pre development work.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
We're getting into it by a segment and just like
looking back over your journey, so what is the best
piece of career advice you've received?
Speaker 3 (12:07):
So far and how has it shifted your path? Yeah.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
So the best piece of career advice I would probably
have to say, you are your own brand, so know
your worth, uh and just have confidence in it. Yes,
And that in general kind of has helped me just
as a person, just as far as like knowing what
I want, knowing what I can do, uh, especially when
(12:33):
it comes to you know, even trying to further move
up in a company.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Knowing what you can offer.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
Yeah, and you know, just being able to like actually
sell your skills. Yeah. And this kind of goes for
just in general, like anybody who feel like, oh, you know,
I may not have these skills, work towards having those skills, uh.
With the technologies that we have nowadays, you know, it's
if we can easily you know, search up and learn
a lot of these things, and and you know, just
(13:00):
to even have like a basic understanding and say okay,
I know a little bit about this. You know, all
that just kind of deals into your brand. So you know,
just being able to you know, market yourself good and
knowing your worth when it comes to you know, moving
up in the company.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
I love it.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
Excellent excellent advice there.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
So looking back Is there anything that you would have
done differently in your stam journey.
Speaker 4 (13:25):
Yes, so not gonna lie. You know, I do love
the path that I did take. You know, on the
facility side, one thing that I do kind of wish
I did was take was do internships. Do a little
bit more, especially knowing that I want to pursue engineering,
do a little bit more engineering internships.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
I kind of throughout my coege career.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
You know, even you know, I did go to a
couple of Nasby conferences, but those conferences were a little
huge for me, So I'm not gonna take it make me.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Feel uncomfortable, but maybe overwhelmed.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
It was a very much overwhelming a lot of competition,
and so it just kind of messed up my confidence
a little. But kind of looking at my if I
was to talk to my own stuff, I would definitely
just say, you know, like have more confidence, do a
lot more research. There's a ton of engineering companies out
there looking for interns, So you know, pursue that internship.
(14:27):
It doesn't matter if you don't get it, connect with somebody,
try and get it for the next year, the next ball,
next spring. But you know, definitely taking on that opportunity
because that will help you in the long run, especially
when it comes to building those skills.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
You have such great advice, Warren.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
Have you been involved in any initiatives of programs to
encourage youth or underrepresented groups to pursue sandfields.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
Yes, so in college, I actually was at part at first.
So it first started with a guy from eating. He
started a STEM program at a middle school and they
focused on a underwater basically an underwater submarine, and they
(15:13):
just kind of built it with like piping, and I
would basically just go volunteer every Saturday. I think this
started my I believe my second or third year, and
I would go Saturdays and just kind of, you know,
help out. And then the year after he actually ended
(15:34):
up getting a new role in a different state, and
you know, I loved the program so much. You know,
I was involved with STIM as a kid, and I'm like,
somebody has to do it. So I ended up you know,
networking or just connecting with the principal of a school
and you know, just asking, you know, can we keep
this program going. Yeah, you know, we're going to change
(15:55):
it around. So actually ended up calling it seat. We
had different meetings perceived We call it Saturday Engineering Rational
Program where student Engineering Rational program, and it would be
every Saturday, and I designed it in a way that
the students would, you know, be able. They would have
(16:16):
a new STEM project every week. And I think I
did it for about two years. Last year ended early
because of COVID, But it was an amazing program. The
kids had so much fun. We got a lot of
good feedback from the principal of the middle school even
said that the students increased their their science and math grades.
(16:42):
And it was just nice just to see the dedication
of the kids because at the school that we were at,
like some of the kids would take the bus just
to get to the program. Yes, they would literally take
the city bus just to get to the program.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Yeah, and like they had such a good time.
Speaker 4 (17:01):
And shout out to all the Nezby members that supported that.
I think we I think average like eight eight members
that would come and assist.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
And as far as like the students, we.
Speaker 4 (17:14):
Had around I believe fifteen to twenty.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Yeah, I think around fifteen to twenty.
Speaker 4 (17:22):
And it's funny because I was actually coming out of
pocket for the program, even though the principal he like,
you know, he would always say, like, you know, there's
always budget. Yeah, because you know, this is like they
really want, you know, the students to you know, just
do more things with Stinn. Yeah but yeah, yeah, so,
(17:47):
but yeah, I do. I really believe in you know,
these students are our next generation.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
You know.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
Even with the program, I didn't care if you didn't
want to engineering, you know.
Speaker 2 (18:01):
You could be a doctor, firefighter.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
It was you know, just meant for kids to exposure definitely,
and didn't even focus it towards one group of engineering.
With the projects we did, you know, like a little
chemistry project or just team body, just you know, teaching
them like you know, different skills to have like you
know in the world and just kind of get them
excited for things.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
And it's great that you hit middle school because that's
when I got my introduction into STEM, That's when I
originally got exposed to it and pursued my journey with it.
So it's amazing that you got to impact them at
such a young age. And like you said, they were
so driven they took the city bus like that is major.
That means y'all created you know, a welcoming environment, and
like you said, their grades improved, like you had so
(18:47):
many major impacts, so that's amazing.
Speaker 4 (18:50):
And then the even like the best part and I'm
kind of sad, like kind of co COVID affected it,
but we even had companies engineering cup and needs reach
out to us to even take part in it as well.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
So it's kind of all.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
About you know, doing you know what you're doing now,
you know, starting that platform for you know that to
you know, just evolve to something more and get more people.
You know.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
I love it. Yeah, so many great things.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Okay, so now I want to talk about your your program.
You mentioned what inspired you to start this program.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
Yep, so like a little bit what I touched on,
you know, just you know, I just want to you know,
just get it out there. You know, like the idea
behind it is to you know, create a bunch of
different STEM projects and bring it to whether I have
to go from one school or another, or you know,
(19:52):
if a school just wants you know, stim projects for kids,
but you know, just providing like the opportunity for kids
to just like have these opportunities. I dropped by school
one time volunteering. Unfortunately I went the wrong day, but
(20:13):
or it was I think I believe it was canceled,
but I was talking to one of the it was
either the assistant principal or the principal, and they're like, yeah,
you know, we don't really get many opportunities like this
for the kids.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
And I was kind of shocked because.
Speaker 4 (20:28):
You know, I you know, STEM is big, so I
don't know, do you know, just providing you know, the
same opportunities that I was granted to, you know, being
able to product for another kid.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
So what is that? Are you gonna still name it
seek when you started back? Is it going to be
Warren's own thing?
Speaker 2 (20:47):
I think it'd be Warren's own thing.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
And I'm only saying that because I don't know if
I wanted to be a Saturday thing or if it
you know, pop up a random day and you know,
do STEM projects.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Yeah that that's still in the works. But I do
know the biggest thing, you know, just want to have
like that impact.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
And you know, hopefully you know it turns out the
way that it will, but you know, uh, you know,
just really just having that impact in the community because again,
it goes a long way with our future generation.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
Thank you, Thank you for your service, your impacts. You know,
exposing the kids. So now I want to ask, how
have women impacted your STEM journey?
Speaker 4 (21:33):
Yes, first off, shout out to all the women in
the still I can definitely say, you know what, like
I love seeing like like women, like women starting to
run the industry. I love, you know, seeing women you
know in a lot of like these high positions. I
can definitely say, like, that's inspirational, like women you guys
(21:56):
like y'all are very hard working, like y'all get the job.
I've seen like motivation like no other. But definitely like
great role models, great.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
People to connect with.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
And as far as like my journey, I gotta give
a special shout out.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
To my mom and sisters bring tik it so a
lot I do. A lot that I do is for them.
Speaker 4 (22:24):
Yeah, you know they always they always pushed me to
be the best.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Yeah, okay, well thank you. It's great to hear.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Now I want to ask what are three tips for
success in the navigating.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
The STEM industry?
Speaker 4 (22:40):
Yes, so the first one definitely have to say, your
confidence and that comes with knowing your worth. That goes
a long way. And I'm only saying that because my
confidence kind of affected me for a long time. But
once I put my mind to it, and you know,
I gave it a try. I just you know, believed
(23:01):
in myself, like whether I know it or don't know it,
you know, I know that I'm gonna.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Figure it out. And the second one networking.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
Networking is big in the industry and I'm kind of
just now learning that, but I definitely highly encourage networking.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
It really doesn't.
Speaker 4 (23:22):
Matter what industry it is, but your connections go a
long way. The last one, ask questions, and this this
even goes for people currently in the industry. A lot
of the seasons, seasoned engineers are starting to retire, and
(23:43):
it's like, you know, who are we going to go
to for these questions? Pick their brains? They have so
much knowledge. Please pick their brains and you know, just
learn because they can. They can teach you things that
it took them between five and twenty five, five and
(24:04):
thirty years of their career, like you know, in a
matter of a year and a matter of weeks, but
you know, definitely picking their brain.
Speaker 3 (24:14):
Yes, of course.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
For her last question, I want to ask what is
next for you in your career journey? You kind of
just spoke a little on it with the how you're
giving back into the community.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Is there anything else you want to share?
Speaker 4 (24:29):
Let's as far as my journey, still working on my
five year trying to see where.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
I want to be. I do know that I wanna
end up moving into a manager role.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Yeah, but I know for me at the moment, it
comes with just learning. Right now, I'm just trying to
learn as much as I can, take those classes that
I need to take, or courses or even just just
trying to learn as as much as I can.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
Good.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
That was my last question for you. Is there anything
else you wanted to share before we close out today?
Speaker 2 (25:09):
And you don't, but if you want to, yeah, I would.
I gotta say, Actually, I love what you're doing.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
You know this, this really does have an impact on
you know, women in the SIM industry and also men
in the SIM industry. Uh, you know, it goes a
long way. These are definitely tips and advice.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
You know with all the.
Speaker 4 (25:34):
Videos that you know how they encourage you guys to
watch everything. These are tips and just like advice in
general that I wish that I knew at a younger
age because it definitely goes a long way. And just
like you know, in general, like you know, don't be
scared to get yourself out there. You know, take notes,
(25:58):
don't be afraid to ask questions.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
So thank you Laur everyone, thank you for watching All
Things Then with at Ashley today. Bourren, thank you so
much for being a guest and sharing so much great
wisdom and knowledge and all that. We appreciate you for coming.
Make sure you like, subscribe and comment, and we'll see
you next time.
Speaker 3 (26:17):
Bye,
Hello everyone, and welcome to all things and with Ashley.
I'm super excited. This month we are having our men
in STEM series. So today we have our guest Warren
Richardson here. Warren Richardson is from Southfield, Michigan. He graduated
from Western Michigan University with a major in physics and
a minor in mathematics. He has seven years in facilities
(00:32):
management in almost two years in aerospace engineering. He is
currently a systems engineer for an aerospace and defense company.
For his hobbies, he enjoys golfing, traveling, watching TV and movies,
and playing video games. So today we welcome Warren and
we look forward to hearing about his STEM journey.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
So welcome, all right, thank you for having me, thank
you for everybody.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Yes, of course, So can you first tell us a
little bit about yourself?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Well, just a little bit about myself.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
As i Ashley mentioned, I'm from Southfield, Michigan, but twelve
years of my life I actually spent in Atlanta, Georgia.
Then we moved to Michigan. From that time on, So.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Great, Barren, it was great hanging about yourself and where
you grew up. Now I want to ask you what
first sparked your interest in STEM and made you decide
to pursue it as a career.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Yeah, so it really came back from when I was
a kid. As a kid, I was just always so
fascinated with how things work, what went into like making
it work, the way that they work. I used to
always love like building things, taking apart, putting it back together,
and then just especially and this is kind of like
(01:41):
just like just a.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Little bit of a backstory and just like how it
was made. That was one thing that really fascinated me.
Speaker 4 (01:51):
Yeah, the end, especially as you know, growing up, we
start to see the technology of a lot of things.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
You started to change in advance.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
So that was just one thing that as a kid,
like I just kind of like always seen it was
just always just fascinated with it.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
So what inspired you to select physics as your major
during your collegiate years?
Speaker 4 (02:11):
So it's funny because my major was actually mechanical going
into college. It was actually mechanical in high school I
did doing roaming programs. So I ended up graduating high
school with my associates degree excellent. So fast forwarding, and
this is when I was trying to find a college
at that time I was at trying to find a
(02:31):
college that would take most of the college credits that
I received in high school.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
But looking back.
Speaker 4 (02:38):
On it, like even when I transferred, yes, they took
a lot of credits, but when it counted towards mechanical,
it still put me just like an incoming freshman. But
I just had a lot of credits as an incoming freshman,
So technically I was classified i'll probably say around like
a sophomore. But when it came to mechanical, still starting
(02:59):
from the and then as like time progress, I didn't
really see a drive too much for mechanical, And then
I got into I started to find more of a
passion with physics. So I ended up switching to physics
a little bit late in mechanical, but I did shorten
my time, even though I did do five years, it
(03:21):
did short in my time with switching to physics, and
I just found more of love with physics just with
every class that I took excellent.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
So also I saw mathematics was your minor, So what
intrigued you to do that while you already had your
physics major.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
Yeah, so I think that anybody who pursues like an
engineering major I think they can relate if you take
like those two extra math classes. Usually like they'll just
give you like the math minor.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
But when I switched to.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
Physics, it would was more. I ended up taking like
a bunch more math classes.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
So at that point it was it was like a
gimme for me to.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
Receive the math minor because of like the the extra
math class that I took.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Can you list some of the extra math classes you
had to take with physics? Let me think I'm sorry,
I'm putting him on the spot, y'all. Algebra, what is
something that helped you like get that minu Like you
said the extra classes.
Speaker 4 (04:28):
I think one of the hardest ones that I took,
for sure was Theory of computation, And there was a
class that was based off.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Of knowing.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
Why a problem, like basically knowing why two plus two
is four, and you actually had to elaborate why it
equals for but in like mathematical terms. Definitely the hardest
class that I took, But that was that was one
class for sure. Analytical physics was another one. It's just applications, yeah,
(05:07):
and applications of physics. But I'll per say that those
two were like the big ones.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
So y'all check out those if you're ever a physics
major or you want that math minor.
Speaker 3 (05:18):
I didn't even know those existed. What you just need
either of.
Speaker 4 (05:21):
Those two Quanta mechanics is another. Yeah, definitely even just
trying to understand like things of that nature.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Yes, thank you.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
So were there any challenges you face growing up that
may pursuing a STEM career difficult.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
I didn't really start having challenges per se until my
college years. One of the biggest challenges, you know, when
it comes to like the STEM classes, I would see,
in general, you really gotta work hard because those classes
really will test your mental especially if you know when
(06:00):
you're in school, exams come around, finals come around, it's
like you're pulling late nights. So it definitely touched you.
And then post college I would probably say I definitely
would say when it comes to applying for different roles.
(06:21):
I think that's also because the engineering field it's definitely competitive. Yeah,
so when it comes to that that it's a little challenging,
but you have to apply yourself.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
I love it.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
So, Next I want to ask, can you share any
mentors or role models that have influenced your journey in STAMP.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I would probably I'll say, like the first mentor that
I've ever.
Speaker 4 (06:44):
Had, and this was when I began my journey in
the facilities world. His name was Jeff Hoskiss and I
started in high school as like an intern and then
it slowly started to regrets to me becoming part time
and then eventually full time. But he kind of mooded
(07:07):
me a lot of like my technical skills, which like
just kind of helped me in the long run.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
And then as but.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
As far as like role models, I don't have any
role models at the moment, but I do have like mentors.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
I for sure have to give you your credits. You
you are one of my mentors.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
Definitely have been helping me in my journey, even you know,
from the first time that we met. You definitely have
gotten me connected, even just providing me like.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
Career advice, you know, just going forward.
Speaker 4 (07:45):
And I also have to throw in another one of
my mentors for sure, and shout out to all the
women in STEM. I have to Sonia Dallas. She's kind
of been giving me like some good advice coming forward.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
That's excellent. Thank you for sharing.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
So now we're going to get into your accomplishments. What
is one project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of during
your stam journey and career.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
One thing that I would say that I'm proud of
this would have to be more, I would say, like
more of an accomplishment with the last company that I
worked for actually saved.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Them money when it came to.
Speaker 4 (08:27):
Like I would say, maintenance procedures. I ended up doing
a lot of things hands on instead of them having
a company come out and they have to pay thousands
of dollars to make a lot of different fixes or
just ordering things. I kind of just took initiative to
learn how to do it and just apply what I
(08:49):
learned to actually making those fixes, whether it was like
maintenance wise or just business wise in general.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
That's excellent. Congrats on that.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
So now I want to talk about how you're a
systems engineering Now, how did you decide to transition from
what you were doing.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
To systems engineering?
Speaker 4 (09:11):
Yes, yes, So prior to me becoming a systems engineer,
I was actually in like just part of my backstory
throughout college I was in I was kind of always
going back to my job with the City of Farmington
Hills and that was an internship that I had when
(09:33):
I was actually in high school and then ended up
working part time as a facilities coordinator. So I always
would like go back and like work every every summer,
even every break. Yes, I skipped all the breaks, even
spring break. I would go back and work. He would
(09:54):
skip every break. But yeah, So so started there up
going full time post college as a recreation supervisor for
a quality of facilities.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
So I did.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
About a year in that role, and then at that point,
I'm like, Okay, you know, I have my major. I'm
ready to pursue my career, and it's you know, it's
like it's time to get It's like now, I'm not
gonna say now or never.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
It's never too late. I want to put that out there.
It's never too late.
Speaker 4 (10:23):
But for me, I felt like it was now for
me to kind of take that next step, and so
I ended up resigning from that position. I ended up
working part time just to get a little bit of
experience in the.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Industry while I'm applying for other roles.
Speaker 4 (10:37):
I end up doing another part time gig in an
aerospace company, and I they manufactured metal powders for like
aircraft and things like that. So I started there and
then like from that time, I was just kind of
applying and applying and applying. Didn't really have a specific
(10:59):
role that I said I was looking for, but whatever
fit me, I applied for it. And system engineer definitely
was the one that stood out the most, I can
say that, and that was the role I went with.
It was the first one that I applied for, the
first one I had.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
An interview for.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
I love it.
Speaker 4 (11:18):
And yeah, so that's that's kind of how I got
into systems engineering.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
That's great.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Thanks for so now she says how you got into
systems engineering. Do you mind sharing an overview of what
systems engineering is for the audience.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Yeah, so as a system engineer, just a little bit
of an overview. A system engineer maintains bills, designs systems
just to meet company needs. We use a lot of
our technical skills to make it more efficient. I work
a little bit more on like the maintaining side, where
(11:53):
it just deals with like a lot of trend analysis,
pre development work.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
We're getting into it by a segment and just like
looking back over your journey, so what is the best
piece of career advice you've received?
Speaker 3 (12:07):
So far and how has it shifted your path? Yeah.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
So the best piece of career advice I would probably
have to say, you are your own brand, so know
your worth, uh and just have confidence in it. Yes,
And that in general kind of has helped me just
as a person, just as far as like knowing what
I want, knowing what I can do, uh, especially when
(12:33):
it comes to you know, even trying to further move
up in a company.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Knowing what you can offer.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
Yeah, and you know, just being able to like actually
sell your skills. Yeah. And this kind of goes for
just in general, like anybody who feel like, oh, you know,
I may not have these skills, work towards having those skills, uh.
With the technologies that we have nowadays, you know, it's
if we can easily you know, search up and learn
a lot of these things, and and you know, just
(13:00):
to even have like a basic understanding and say okay,
I know a little bit about this. You know, all
that just kind of deals into your brand. So you know,
just being able to you know, market yourself good and
knowing your worth when it comes to you know, moving
up in the company.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
I love it.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
Excellent excellent advice there.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
So looking back Is there anything that you would have
done differently in your stam journey.
Speaker 4 (13:25):
Yes, so not gonna lie. You know, I do love
the path that I did take. You know, on the
facility side, one thing that I do kind of wish
I did was take was do internships. Do a little
bit more, especially knowing that I want to pursue engineering,
do a little bit more engineering internships.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
I kind of throughout my coege career.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
You know, even you know, I did go to a
couple of Nasby conferences, but those conferences were a little
huge for me, So I'm not gonna take it make me.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Feel uncomfortable, but maybe overwhelmed.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
It was a very much overwhelming a lot of competition,
and so it just kind of messed up my confidence
a little. But kind of looking at my if I
was to talk to my own stuff, I would definitely
just say, you know, like have more confidence, do a
lot more research. There's a ton of engineering companies out
there looking for interns, So you know, pursue that internship.
(14:27):
It doesn't matter if you don't get it, connect with somebody,
try and get it for the next year, the next ball,
next spring. But you know, definitely taking on that opportunity
because that will help you in the long run, especially
when it comes to building those skills.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
You have such great advice, Warren.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
Have you been involved in any initiatives of programs to
encourage youth or underrepresented groups to pursue sandfields.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
Yes, so in college, I actually was at part at first.
So it first started with a guy from eating. He
started a STEM program at a middle school and they
focused on a underwater basically an underwater submarine, and they
(15:13):
just kind of built it with like piping, and I
would basically just go volunteer every Saturday. I think this
started my I believe my second or third year, and
I would go Saturdays and just kind of, you know,
help out. And then the year after he actually ended
(15:34):
up getting a new role in a different state, and
you know, I loved the program so much. You know,
I was involved with STIM as a kid, and I'm like,
somebody has to do it. So I ended up you know,
networking or just connecting with the principal of a school
and you know, just asking, you know, can we keep
this program going. Yeah, you know, we're going to change
(15:55):
it around. So actually ended up calling it seat. We
had different meetings perceived We call it Saturday Engineering Rational
Program where student Engineering Rational program, and it would be
every Saturday, and I designed it in a way that
the students would, you know, be able. They would have
(16:16):
a new STEM project every week. And I think I
did it for about two years. Last year ended early
because of COVID, But it was an amazing program. The
kids had so much fun. We got a lot of
good feedback from the principal of the middle school even
said that the students increased their their science and math grades.
(16:42):
And it was just nice just to see the dedication
of the kids because at the school that we were at,
like some of the kids would take the bus just
to get to the program. Yes, they would literally take
the city bus just to get to the program.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Yeah, and like they had such a good time.
Speaker 4 (17:01):
And shout out to all the Nezby members that supported that.
I think we I think average like eight eight members
that would come and assist.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
And as far as like the students, we.
Speaker 4 (17:14):
Had around I believe fifteen to twenty.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Yeah, I think around fifteen to twenty.
Speaker 4 (17:22):
And it's funny because I was actually coming out of
pocket for the program, even though the principal he like,
you know, he would always say, like, you know, there's
always budget. Yeah, because you know, this is like they
really want, you know, the students to you know, just
do more things with Stinn. Yeah but yeah, yeah, so,
(17:47):
but yeah, I do. I really believe in you know,
these students are our next generation.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
You know.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
Even with the program, I didn't care if you didn't
want to engineering, you know.
Speaker 2 (18:01):
You could be a doctor, firefighter.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
It was you know, just meant for kids to exposure definitely,
and didn't even focus it towards one group of engineering.
With the projects we did, you know, like a little
chemistry project or just team body, just you know, teaching
them like you know, different skills to have like you
know in the world and just kind of get them
excited for things.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
And it's great that you hit middle school because that's
when I got my introduction into STEM, That's when I
originally got exposed to it and pursued my journey with it.
So it's amazing that you got to impact them at
such a young age. And like you said, they were
so driven they took the city bus like that is major.
That means y'all created you know, a welcoming environment, and
like you said, their grades improved, like you had so
(18:47):
many major impacts, so that's amazing.
Speaker 4 (18:50):
And then the even like the best part and I'm
kind of sad, like kind of co COVID affected it,
but we even had companies engineering cup and needs reach
out to us to even take part in it as well.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
So it's kind of all.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
About you know, doing you know what you're doing now,
you know, starting that platform for you know that to
you know, just evolve to something more and get more people.
You know.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
I love it. Yeah, so many great things.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Okay, so now I want to talk about your your program.
You mentioned what inspired you to start this program.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
Yep, so like a little bit what I touched on,
you know, just you know, I just want to you know,
just get it out there. You know, like the idea
behind it is to you know, create a bunch of
different STEM projects and bring it to whether I have
to go from one school or another, or you know,
(19:52):
if a school just wants you know, stim projects for kids,
but you know, just providing like the opportunity for kids
to just like have these opportunities. I dropped by school
one time volunteering. Unfortunately I went the wrong day, but
(20:13):
or it was I think I believe it was canceled,
but I was talking to one of the it was
either the assistant principal or the principal, and they're like, yeah,
you know, we don't really get many opportunities like this
for the kids.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
And I was kind of shocked because.
Speaker 4 (20:28):
You know, I you know, STEM is big, so I
don't know, do you know, just providing you know, the
same opportunities that I was granted to, you know, being
able to product for another kid.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
So what is that? Are you gonna still name it
seek when you started back? Is it going to be
Warren's own thing?
Speaker 2 (20:47):
I think it'd be Warren's own thing.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
And I'm only saying that because I don't know if
I wanted to be a Saturday thing or if it
you know, pop up a random day and you know,
do STEM projects.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Yeah that that's still in the works. But I do
know the biggest thing, you know, just want to have
like that impact.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
And you know, hopefully you know it turns out the
way that it will, but you know, uh, you know,
just really just having that impact in the community because again,
it goes a long way with our future generation.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
Thank you, Thank you for your service, your impacts. You know,
exposing the kids. So now I want to ask, how
have women impacted your STEM journey?
Speaker 4 (21:33):
Yes, first off, shout out to all the women in
the still I can definitely say, you know what, like
I love seeing like like women, like women starting to
run the industry. I love, you know, seeing women you
know in a lot of like these high positions. I
can definitely say, like, that's inspirational, like women you guys
(21:56):
like y'all are very hard working, like y'all get the job.
I've seen like motivation like no other. But definitely like
great role models, great.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
People to connect with.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
And as far as like my journey, I gotta give
a special shout out.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
To my mom and sisters bring tik it so a
lot I do. A lot that I do is for them.
Speaker 4 (22:24):
Yeah, you know they always they always pushed me to
be the best.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Yeah, okay, well thank you. It's great to hear.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Now I want to ask what are three tips for
success in the navigating.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
The STEM industry?
Speaker 4 (22:40):
Yes, so the first one definitely have to say, your
confidence and that comes with knowing your worth. That goes
a long way. And I'm only saying that because my
confidence kind of affected me for a long time. But
once I put my mind to it, and you know,
I gave it a try. I just you know, believed
(23:01):
in myself, like whether I know it or don't know it,
you know, I know that I'm gonna.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Figure it out. And the second one networking.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
Networking is big in the industry and I'm kind of
just now learning that, but I definitely highly encourage networking.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
It really doesn't.
Speaker 4 (23:22):
Matter what industry it is, but your connections go a
long way. The last one, ask questions, and this this
even goes for people currently in the industry. A lot
of the seasons, seasoned engineers are starting to retire, and
(23:43):
it's like, you know, who are we going to go
to for these questions? Pick their brains? They have so
much knowledge. Please pick their brains and you know, just
learn because they can. They can teach you things that
it took them between five and twenty five, five and
(24:04):
thirty years of their career, like you know, in a
matter of a year and a matter of weeks, but
you know, definitely picking their brain.
Speaker 3 (24:14):
Yes, of course.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
For her last question, I want to ask what is
next for you in your career journey? You kind of
just spoke a little on it with the how you're
giving back into the community.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
Is there anything else you want to share?
Speaker 4 (24:29):
Let's as far as my journey, still working on my
five year trying to see where.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
I want to be. I do know that I wanna
end up moving into a manager role.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Yeah, but I know for me at the moment, it
comes with just learning. Right now, I'm just trying to
learn as much as I can, take those classes that
I need to take, or courses or even just just
trying to learn as as much as I can.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
Good.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
That was my last question for you. Is there anything
else you wanted to share before we close out today?
Speaker 2 (25:09):
And you don't, but if you want to, yeah, I would.
I gotta say, Actually, I love what you're doing.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
You know this, this really does have an impact on
you know, women in the SIM industry and also men
in the SIM industry. Uh, you know, it goes a
long way. These are definitely tips and advice.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
You know with all the.
Speaker 4 (25:34):
Videos that you know how they encourage you guys to
watch everything. These are tips and just like advice in
general that I wish that I knew at a younger
age because it definitely goes a long way. And just
like you know, in general, like you know, don't be
scared to get yourself out there. You know, take notes,
(25:58):
don't be afraid to ask questions.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
So thank you Laur everyone, thank you for watching All
Things Then with at Ashley today. Bourren, thank you so
much for being a guest and sharing so much great
wisdom and knowledge and all that. We appreciate you for coming.
Make sure you like, subscribe and comment, and we'll see
you next time.
Speaker 3 (26:17):
Bye,
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