Narmi Inclusion & Diversity

Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

As a woman in engineering, I’ve definitely experienced some subtle challenges, including things as minor as feeling hesitant to openly mention something like menstrual cramps when I explain to my manager as to why I am not feeling well. Although no one has explicitly discouraged these conversations, sometimes I’ll prefer to be proactive, and shield myself from potential awkwardness or misinterpretation. As such, I’ve found that simply stating, “I’m not feeling well,” is sufficient and requires no further justification. 

I like to be proactive about organizing group activities, like board game nights, among my entire team, which help build connections in a relaxed and clearly defined social setting. Being in a group context can take a lot of the awkwardness out of informal interactions with coworkers, allowing me to comfortably get to know everyone better.

What are your professional goals, and how has Narmi enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources/opportunities are available?

My primary professional goal is continuous learning through engaging in varied and challenging projects that allow me to expand my skills and grow personally and professionally, such as transitioning into management roles. My managers actively listen to my interests and provide opportunities aligned with my growth objectives, granting autonomy and trust in my work. I’ve been able to work on projects that have helped me develop new skills, and when I’ve expressed a preference not to participate in certain projects, my managers have supported me and assigned alternatives. I was also asked about my career interests and given the opportunity to lead a new team. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is also important to me, and Narmi supports this by establishing clear expectations around working hours and consistently approving PTO without requiring detailed justification.

What advice do you have for women in engineering or other technical roles regarding how to identify a company and team that will support their growth and development?

When evaluating potential companies, I’d recommend looking for diversity within the team; ideally, you shouldn’t be the only woman engineer unless the team is very small. Pay attention to the diversity of your interviewer panel, as it often reflects the company’s commitment to inclusivity. Most importantly, speaking directly with current female engineers can provide insightful perspectives on the team’s culture, support structures and the company’s genuine investment in your professional growth.

One thing I did during my interview process here was that I asked to meet a bunch of the team together in a group setting. This was in the days of fully remote interviews, but it’s relevant even if you’ll be interviewing in person. The main thing I wanted to see were the group dynamics between everyone I’ve been talking to. How do they show respect to one another? Do they seem to enjoy each other’s company? Could I see myself integrating into this dynamic?