PNW Women in STEM held in CIVS Immersive Theater

On March 20, 2024, in celebration of Women’s History Month, the College of Engineering & Sciences and the College of Technology hosted a Women in STEM event held in the CIVS Immersive Theater.

The event featured a panel discussion with PNW alumna, industry partners, and friends, including long-time CIVS partner Kelly Dallas, who serves as Director of Engineering for the Flat Rolled plants from SMSVC member company Cleveland-Cliffs. Kelly served as the President of the Society of Engineering (SWE) when she studied for her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at PNW. She has been a leader in the steel industry in promoting STEM education and Careers to K-16 students.

The panelists shared challenges unique to them in obtaining their degree and subsequent industry roles, as well as the barriers they had to overcome, such as Imposter phenomena and pay/equity gaps. Panelists also shared advice on supporting one another and finding a sponsor or mentor. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about key factors to success, such as time management, overcoming stereotypes, and combating burnout. A networking opportunity was provided after the panel discussion.

Women have to see you in these roles to know that it’s possible for them. That means that sometimes, you’re the only woman in the room or you’re the one to start a women centered committee at your company or you’re attending a panel like this one. Representation matters and sometimes you have to be the change to see the change.

Kelly Dallas, Director of Engineering for Flat Rolled plants, Cleveland-Cliffs

Meet the Panelists:

• Cassidee Jacobsen, ’12 Mechanical Engineering, is a National Account Manager for Regal Rexnord Aerospace and Defense, working with strategic customers like General Electric, Rolls Royce, Eaton Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, and Williams International.
• Dominique Edwards, ’11 Biology, is a Black land steward, local educator, and food systems planner based in Northwest Indiana who currently serves as the Equity and Engagement Coordinator for the NWI Food Council.
• Haley Sandman, ’20 Construction Engineering Management Technology, is an assistant project manager for a minority-owned and operated general contracting company with a strong corporate ethos that actively supports minority-owned contractors and embraces ethical practices.
• Kelly Dallas, ’98 Mechanical Engineering, is the Director of Engineering for the Flat Rolled plants of Cleveland-Cliffs.
• Rebecca Scalchas, ’19, Computer Information Technology, Concentration in Cybersecurity, is the Senior Analyst on Hyatt’s Cyber Security Operations team at the Corporate Hub in Chicago.