IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1523888
IPC COMMUNITY 28 SUMMER 2024 them with suppliers or manufacturers to help their business grow. I want to support the WHMA organization to aid its growth and longevity." Leadership roles within wire harness organiza- tions have been traditionally male-dominated, yet Joan has seen a changing tide; more women are entering top roles including management and C-suite positions in engineering and sales. As a woman who has achieved corporate suc- cess in the wire harness industry, Joan is happy to see more women achieving higher positions. "This isn't just a testament to my own success, but a sign of the industry's evolution and growth as a whole," Joan says. "Women are seizing these opportunities for growth and developing genu- ine relationships built on trust and honesty." The underrepresentation of women in the wire harness industry, particularly at the corporate level, is quickly becoming an issue of the past. More women are entering STEM fields thanks to an increasing awareness of the wire harness industry and its contribution to important tech- nological developments. Additionally, mentor- ship programs and support networks for women in STEM provide guidance and encourage- ment for their career paths. Initiatives aimed at improving access to education and opportuni- ties in STEM fields have helped to create a more inclusive environment, giving women a chance to take a more active role in organizations such as those in the wire harness industry. Joan has advice for anyone navigating the upper echelons of the wire harness industry: "You need to foster personal connections beyond the confines of email," she says. "Email and texting are great, but to build a connection, noth- ing beats speaking to someone face-to- face." Building these types of personal connections has been the foundation of her success, particularly in an indus- try that thrives on collaboration and innovation. Joan urges WHMA and IPC members to stay ahead of the curve by embracing new technologies. "The EV market is ever evolving," she says. "Companies need to make sure they can handle the new, intense testing requirements and are equipped for the new EV assembly pro- cesses that their employees may not be familiar with." On the cusp of her retirement, Joan reflects on her role in the wire harness industry with fond- ness. "I spent my career focused on the success of the companies I worked for and have seen such great strides for women in the industry," she says. "It's been my pleasure to be a part of the wire harness industry."