How This Engineer Found Her Place—and Purpose—in a Male-Dominated Industry

During her elementary school days, Michaela Reid unknowingly set the foundation for her future engineering career. She participated in an after-school program that allowed students to explore different aspects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. One of these eye-opening activities involved building and programming a mini robot made from Legos, equally engaging Reid’s creativity and problem-solving skills. Even though she was a child, the revelatory experience sparked a lifelong passion for knowledge.

“This early interaction paved the way for my eureka moment,” she says. “It helped me unlock and discover my interests and talents through learning.”

Inspired and fired up, Reid felt empowered to transform a newfound dream into a reality.

“That moment, and many others afterward, showed that I could become an engineer to help make the world a better place,” she says.

Reid followed her instincts and eventually became a commissioning engineer at Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader dedicated to advancing a sustainable energy future for all.

Here, she shares what she’s responsible for in her role, why she values Hitachi Energy’s commitment to professional development, and how she helps foster a work culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Before completing my undergraduate studies at the University of Houston, there were two critical characteristics I looked for in an organization: the ability to work in an open environment where I could contribute creatively while making a lasting impact, and an inspiring organization that values community and promotes innovation through diversity and inclusion.

In 2022, I joined Hitachi Energy as part of the Power+ Graduate Program, which is a rotational program designed for university graduates to explore the different functions and opportunities within the business. During my experience in this program, I was able to identify with the organization’s values and foster connections with colleagues around the globe.

I’m responsible for leading the execution of projects and ensuring that all activities are performed safely, efficiently, and according to company procedures.

This position appeals to me because I get to learn about advanced technologies in energy while interacting with our customers and being hands-on with the equipment. I’m empowered to embrace the knowledge of my senior leaders and engineers and have fun with my learning journey.

Since starting in 2022, my mentors and leaders have encouraged me to pursue professional development opportunities to become the best version of myself. Throughout the journey, I’ve been able to participate in high-level meetings. I’ve even earned certifications that affirm my credibility and competency as a rising professional in my field.

The valuable support I’ve received from leadership in these roles was insightful and unique in that Hitachi Energy prioritized my desire to explore my interests on my terms while having fun and connecting with others.

As an engineer specializing in commissioning grid and power quality solutions for customers, I interact with a fascinating array of technologies and advanced systems. So far in my career, I’ve seen communities thrive with sustainable, accessible electricity because I used my hands to bridge a possibility to reality.

Furthermore, I’m surrounded by an awesome team of engineers who invest their wealth of knowledge and experience in me, and I’m encouraged to share my ideas and creative solutions.

Having this unique experience so early in my career has been illuminating. Hitachi Energy’s mission to “Inspire the Next” is admirable and attractive to young professionals.

One of the most unique challenges I faced was learning that I was the first woman to be a commissioning engineer in the history of this business unit. Being the first at anything comes with excitement and its own set of obstacles. I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment, unfulfillment, and a profound sense of duty simultaneously.

The sense of accomplishment is due to knowing I’m an active part of an organization that believes in driving change and securing a sustainable energy future for all.

While I’m honored to be the first, I’m unsatisfied with the current status quo surrounding women in STEM. Even though I’m the first female commissioning engineer in my team’s history, progress shouldn’t begin and end there. My appointment shouldn’t stop or discourage the possibility of others to follow me. Anyone who observes history knows that every shift in societal norms demands sacrifice, grit, and hope.

With that said, I recognize that my position makes me an inspiration to everyone around me—and future generations. My goal is to serve as a blueprint to further cultivate brilliance, equity, and opportunity.

My personal and professional values are linked to influence and community. It’s important—and a great responsibility—to use your influence to foster community and connections with other people.

One of the ways I put these concepts into practice is by serving as a mentor and contributing to growth within the organization. I’ve been involved in efforts to build and structure my team with diversity, inclusion, and equity in mind. With this, I can utilize my position to advocate for a stronger presence of underrepresented groups to ensure my team and Hitachi Energy are actively working toward creating a brighter future.

Also, I act on these ideas through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). As a member and leader of ERGs like Women in Energy and the Young Professionals Network, I’ve established lifelong connections while finding my place among like-minded and diverse individuals.

Allyship is one of the most impactful forms of advocacy and support for underprivileged and marginalized people. It’s also a key part of understanding how to use privilege to create opportunities for others.

Meaningful change begins with allyship. With that said, there have been positive strides toward creating an inclusive work environment in traditionally male-dominated industries. However, my observations and experience show that there is still work to be done to create a fully cohesive, collaborative environment among men and women.

My advice for women striving to pursue an engineering career is:

1. Continue to demonstrate allyship and sisterhood regardless of where you are in your career journey.
2. Always remember your “why” and never let your head be absent of your crown.
3. Make sure the person you see in the mirror is the woman your younger self would hail as a hero.

When I first watched the movie Hidden Figures, I was starting my collegiate journey as an engineering student. As I learned about Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson through this powerful cinematic experience, I discovered my first engineering role models. What inspired me about these three Black women was their tenacity, focus, and willpower during a period in our nation’s history when skin color and gender were commonly used as tactics of discriminatory, bigoted gatekeeping.

What I saw in them was deeper and richer than just an inspiring story: I saw in them a version of my future self.

Additionally, my engineering role models can be found in my leaders, colleagues, and mentors working at Hitachi Energy. My role models come from engineering and non-engineering backgrounds. I treasure being surrounded by innovative minds and admirable characters. I’m confident that with the support of my outstanding examples, I’ll become the best version of myself.