Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1359517
APRIL 2021 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 89 Message from the Chairman by Stephen Chavez, MIT, CID+ is month, I reflect on the essence of PCEA and the benefits of member- ship within the PCEA col- lective. More specifically, are you experiencing the value of giving and receiv- ing as a PCEA member? I want to share a recent experience of mine that I think many of you can relate to. It spotlights the true value of PCEA membership. "Collaborate, Educate, and Inspire" is the core mission of PCEA. As we come off a tough year for our industry, 2021 has many compa- nies adjusting, adapting, and making tough decisions about how to survive, move forward, and be successful. is calls for changes that may potentially be either good or bad, depend- ing on what side of the decision you fall on. Like most of you, I have a day job. I bring my A-game every time I strap into my "cock- pit" here in my office, where I conduct busi- ness as a printed circuit engineer. I am always confident and have no hesitation when wield- ing my CAD system to either design complex PCB circuits solo or while integrating and col- laborating with global engineering teams. My 30+ years of industry experience provides me with a certain level of confidence, allowing me to walk with a swagger. Yet, I am not invincible by any means! I'm not impervious to changes or tough decisions that are beyond my control. Recently, I found myself contemplating the direction of my future and I needed to make decisions which could seriously impact the trajectory of my career path—each option had its potential pros and cons, which made the decisions even more difficult. I am sure many of you can relate to what I am talking about. If you're early in your career and have not yet experienced this, you will at some point come to a crossroads in your career. I know many industry veterans would agree. As I evaluated my situation and contem- plated my options, hoping I was seeing things from every angle, I realized that, even with all my experience, I could benefit from advice and a support network where I could discuss ideas and seek advice from others like me. So, what did I do? I tapped into my immediate PCEA network, which consisted of many industry veterans and professionals who have been at these similar crossroads. As I worked the sit- uation alongside my established network, I realized they have become lifelong, personal friends as well. ey provided solid advice as we worked the problem together. You see, I was not alone! More importantly, I had the horsepower of the PCEA collective there to support me. e core PCEA mission was in full effect: collaborate, educate, and inspire. I was Figure 4: An overview of the Monterrey, Mexico Chapter. Figure 5: An overview of the Portland, Oregon Chapter.