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Today, we celebrate the remarkable women who are transforming the world of STEM and reshaping the industries of tomorrow. At CCAT, we’re proud to spotlight barrier-breaking women who are not only excelling in their fields but also inspire future generations of innovators.
Join us as we get to know some of CCAT’s engineers: Bea Jackowiak, Composites Technician; Colette Ruden, Senior Engineer, Technology & Innovation; Sarah Wojtczak, Manufacturing Applications Engineer; and Olivia Hernandez, Composite Technician. These extraordinary women reflect on why they love STEM and offer advice to young women pursuing similar paths.
When did you first become interested in STEM?
Bea Jackowiak: I have always been interested in STEM in some capacity. Like a lot of kids, I grew up on science fiction and dreams of going to the moon or serving a post-apocalyptic community with skills in engineering. Obviously, some of that is fantasy, but the root has remained with me all my life. I’m inspired by the fact that the more I know, the less I know, and that there’s always something new to learn, some new mountain to climb. My career in STEM has been fueling my love of mystery for over a decade.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in STEM?
Sarah Wojtczak: I’ve learned that you have to want it for yourself—no one else can convince you or teach you that you’re good enough. There will be mental blocks along the way, and only you can push through them. You have to stand up for yourself and worry less about hurting others' feelings, especially in your career. Many women, myself included, tend to be more emotional, but in a male-dominated workspace, that mindset isn’t always shared.
Olivia Hernandez: My advice to young women considering STEM is to follow whatever interests you—don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of your goals. Surround yourself with an environment where you can share ideas and contribute to your team’s growth—it will make a difference for your future self.
What advice can you share with parents of a daughter who is interested in STEM?
Colette Ruden: Parents should know that there isn’t a single trait that makes someone an engineer. I never loved Legos or felt the need to take things apart and put them back together—but I’m still an engineer, and I love my work. I also think there are so many resources to help anyone, at any age, explore STEM in a way that isn’t overly technical. Learning STEM doesn’t have to be intimidating.
As we celebrate the achievements of women in STEM today, let’s remember that this is just the beginning. The road ahead is full of opportunities to continue breaking barriers. Here’s to the women who are shaping our world, and to the ones who will inspire the next generation.
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Get Involved!
Join us for Pathways to STEM Careers in Manufacturing! These free, interactive programs across Connecticut are designed to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and inspire the next generation of STEM and manufacturing leaders.
Click here to learn more and take the first step!
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