Introduction

Both my parents worked as engineers, hence the title for this website—The Engineers’ Daughter. Fundamentally, they provided early inspiration and motivation for pursuing a career as an engineer. Since high school I have worked in technical jobs. Like my parents, I did well in mathematics and enjoyed science, in particular the physical sciences. I never toyed with the notion of majoring in pre-med or pre-law. I choose to major in electrical engineering.

I have learned from many a technician and engineer along my career path. Most of them had an X and a Y chromosome; on occasion the technologist had two X chromosomes like me. Most of my role models have been men. The goal of this site is to pass on wisdom to the next wave of technologists–young or old, male or female. My number one goal is to have men and women engineers write about their experiences working with technology. Through work we learn our craft and accumulate wisdom. Eventually, I would like to have tradespeople contribute content.

While wisdom can be captured in an adage, I believe telling a story illustrates a deeper understanding to those reading or listening to the story. This website currently focuses on three categories for telling stories:

  • Reflections: Anne writes stories about growing up, living her life, and thoughts along the way.
  • Their Story: Engineers and tradespeople share their stories around the nuts and bolts of working with technology and wisdom learned from their experience.
  • Diverse Ability: Looking at differences in people through a positive lens with the following phrase in mind “Every Strength is a Weakness, Every Weakness is a Strength.”

While technology constantly evolves, the fundamentals of craftsmanship do not change. Let’s expand our awareness on becoming and being a technologist. The Engineers’ Daughter website has been designed with the intention of forming a community focused on the practice of craft. You are invited to read, comment, ask questions, and tell stories. Via storytelling, I want people to pass on learnings in their profession to the next wave of engineers and tradespeople. The intended audiences are women and men in the beginning of their careers–in college, or in the first five years of their profession.