Trudy Curley
Axon
Tempe, AZ USA
"There are times when I design or build something and it doesn’t work. But don’t ever be afraid to take the initiative and take the lead."
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Trudy's work combines: Engineering, Science, and Building Things
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Entering into a STEM field as a woman and as a Native American was really challenging because there isn't a lot of representation. There have definitely been times where other male engineers don't take me seriously or just ignore me. I tried not to let this bother me and instead found it encouraging because I knew I was bringing diversity to the field.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Mechanical Engineering
University of Kansas
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Growing up, my family had a very “fix-it-yourself” mindset—we would never call a plumber or electrician; we would figure out a way to fix it ourselves—so I spent a lot of time building things.
2.
I developed an early interest in math and science which, combined with my knack for building things, led me to pursue engineering in high school.
3.
I earned a full-ride scholarship to college as a Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar for my work promoting community-based programs to empower the underserved.
4.
Attended The University of Kansas, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
5.
While in college, I became the president of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), which seeks to increase American Indian representation in STEM fields.
6.
As a sophomore, I interned at Hallmark Cards in process improvement and supply chain business enablement, which really helped me understand how engineering aligns theory and real-world problems.
7.
I also interned at The Boeing Company working in commercial aircraft and military testing, which led to my first job out of college working as a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry.
8.
I now work as a mechanical engineer for Axon, working on weapons and TASER self-defense devices.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You're a woman and a minority, there is no place for you here.
How I responded:
Entering into a STEM field as a woman and as a Native American was really challenging because there isn't a lot of representation. There have definitely been times where other male engineers don't take me seriously or just ignore me. I tried not to let this bother me and instead found it encouraging because I knew I was bringing diversity to the field.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I didn't have a lot of money growing up and couldn't afford to go to college. I managed to receive a full-ride scholarship from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
I was the first person in my family to go to college and, even though they couldn't really help me, my parents and friends were very supportive.
There isn't a lot of representation in engineering for American Indians (or women) like myself. It can be intimidating, so I joined the Society of Women Engineers and the American Indian Science & Engineering Society to build supportive networks.
Working in the industry that I do (weapons manufacturing), it can be stressful knowing that all of the work you do could mean the life or death of someone in the military or law enforcement. I just have to stay focused and do the best I can.