Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1476200
58 PCB007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2022 was selected. Because the staff at IPCEF had faith in me, I knew I could provide the same level of faith and trust in my own leadership team and abilities. It has been an amazing year for me. In early January, I was accepted into the Emerging Engineer program and attended IPC APEX EXPO 2022, where I networked with pro- fessionals from around the world, sharing the important work of IPCEF. I frequently spoke about my passions and investment in this industry. I attended committee meetings, board dinners, and several professional devel- opment courses—all increasing my awareness of the electronics industry. I learned just how vast the industry is by exploring the different processes that go into electronics manufac- turing and standards. ere have been several individuals who devoted their time, teaching me about the industry and helping me grow professionally. Being surrounded by individu- als who want me to thrive within the industry has helped me focus on developing a similar culture within my own student chapter. Want to Help? What IPCEF has done for me can and will happen for so many other students throughout the country. I know these students can follow their passions and create substan- tial change within our indus- try. ey will fill the gap in the workforce with their skills, knowledge, and desire to build the industry. I know they will flourish in projects, leadership, course work, and their future careers. When I first started college, I was one of just two female freshmen pursing a degree in electrical engineering. At first, I felt like an outsider, but once I connected with IPCEF, I found my purpose. Taking the Next Step I worked closely with IPCEF over several months. During that time, I was encouraged to apply for two opportunities: the student mem- ber scholarship and the Emerging Engineer position. Not long aer applying, I was selected as a scholarship recipient and was invited to interview for the Emerging Engineer program. I was ecstatic. Not only was this an opportu- nity to continue pursuing my vocation through scholarship, but if accepted into the Emerging Engineer program, I could attend IPC APEX EXPO. I saw this as an opportunity to grow my technical skills and my professional network. I approached my interview for the Emerging Engineer program with confidence regarding our IPC student chapter goals, which included expanding our membership and professional opportunities. As the interview concluded, they strongly recommended that I apply for the student director position on the IPC Board of Directors. I hesitated because I didn't think I had the qualifications. Just as I was about to let the opportunity go, IPCEF reached out to me again and encouraged me to apply. I real- ized that I was selling myself short and limit- ing my potential to grow in leadership. So, I applied, and when the votes were counted, I