“As a female engineer hailing from the east coast, entering the systems engineering division at my company in California was a significant career prospect decorated with both change and uncertainty. I was one of very few undergrads with the specialized engineering degree that I had chosen, and this would be my first job upon graduating.

Steve was head of the systems engineering division and he became my mentor very soon after I joined the company. In addition to teaching me everything he knew about the entire organization — how it functioned and the technical operations — Steve would show his sponsorship directly by taking me to meetings along with him, in front of senior-level people. He really supported me as a young, female engineer in a male-dominated industry.

I remember Steve would call me “Kiddo,” which was a special nickname that I knew spoke to how much he valued mentoring me as a promising, yet still up-and-coming engineer in my field. Steve and I stayed in touch for many years as my career progressed on. I often sought his advice at important crossroads or decision points, and he continued to open doors for me and provide insight to my path.

Steve retired 18 months ago, and has since passed away. His impact on me remains. When I am facing a professional decision, I still call upon myself to ask: ‘What would Steve say?'”

– Ashley, Systems Engineer In Charge of Modeling and Simulation
California