By: Viviana Romero / Cal State LA
Women have long been integrated into STEM fields, recalling their contributions dating back to World War II. The demand for skilled labor surged, and women rose to the challenge, filling in for men who had gone off into combat. Women proved they could excel in any field, from manufacturing munitions to working as engineers and scientists.
As time has progressed, there has been a significant technological shift, particularly the transition from gas-powered to electric vehicles. Despite this evolution, women remain ready to take on the challenge — the Battery Workforce Challenge that is!
I’m Viviana Romero, and I joined the Vehicle Systems Integration swimlane, where my first focus was to familiarize myself with battery enclosure components, along with understanding how material properties, such as strength and durability, impact structural components. As I gained experience, my role evolved to designing and optimizing interconnection strategies for cylindrical cells on a module.
This involved ensuring the cells were electrically and mechanically integrated and designing components for module assembly using computer-aided design software. I also worked with the mechanical team to develop effective spot-welding strategies to create strong and secure welds without damaging the underlying materials. Once our design is finalized, we will move forward with testing and integrating the battery enclosure.
Various BattChallenge swimlanes contribute, with the hard-working women in project management standing out. Isabel Builes, our project manager, not only supports the technical aspects, such as driving cycle analysis, but she also fosters an inclusive and safe environment for everyone in the club.
Ayris Gucun and Madison Reddy, both members of the project management swimlane, are equally dedicated to our cause and are always approachable and reliable.
Their insights and guidance are essential to the team, once again proving that women will continue to take on the challenge.
Collaboration is at the heart of this three-year project, where our progress is enhanced through the contributions from Cerritos College, our vocational school partner. Cerritos College has 20 dedicated team members, half of whom are women stepping up to play critical roles.
Sharlize Lemus for example, stands out as a key member of the vehicle integration team. Her commitment to excellence demonstrates the importance of technical education pathways and highlights the vital role of women in STEM.
As we continue to break barriers and evolve in the field of clean energy, it’s clear that women everywhere are playing an increasingly vital role just as they have throughout history in STEM. From pioneering contributions during World War II to leading innovation in the Battery Workforce Challenge today, women are pushing boundaries — especially through collaborations like those between CSULA and Cerritos College.
If you’re passionate about clean energy or STEM, consider getting involved.
Follow our team’s progress on social media and explore opportunities to support or join the Battery Workforce Challenge. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, and while you’re at it, check out our website.
By spreading the word and getting involved, we can continue to break barriers, advance technology and make a lasting impact in STEM. Whether you’re a woman interested in STEM or someone who wants to support this transformative movement, now is the time to act!
