The first female chemical engineer graduated in 1971 and many of her job applications were met with: We do not employ women. Initially, she wore a skirt in the office as per the female dress code and then changed into long pants each time she visited the plant, so things have certainly come a long way in the last 45 years!
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2017, we spoke to Kathryn McDonald about what the theme, #BeBoldForChange means to her.
Kathryn McDonald
Olefins Process Team Leader,
Qenos
The theme for International Women’s Day 2017 is #BeBoldForChange What does this statement mean to you?
#BeBoldForChange means making a personal effort to change the status quo - whether that be my own actions or boldly challenging others to make a change.
What bold actions have you seen implemented to progress the role of women in STEM?
The first female chemical engineer graduated in 1971 and many of her job applications were met with "We do not employ women". Initially, she wore a skirt in the office as per the female dress code and then changed into long pants each time she visited the plant, so things have certainly come a long way in the last 45 years!
In more recent times it feels like there is a positive change in momentum with many business leaders now publicly recognising that if all employees are able to contribute to the best of their ability this is the best outcome for business.
There's far more information and research available that highlights differences between men and women in terms of pay, developmental and promotional opportunities along with suggestions and ideas to redress the imbalance. Additionally, there's readily available profiles of amazing and inspirational women making a difference in their field of expertise and although it is happening slowly, it is starting to become the norm, rather than an exception.
What advice would you have for girls or women considering a career in STEM?
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics impact almost every area of our lives and is an excellent foundation for almost any career. It's a great career choice if you want to be creative, solve problems and implement ideas. It is interesting and challenging work and there's the opportunity to work at the frontier of new technologies and innovations. The most amazing discoveries have been made by someone asking I wonder why that is? I have always found that being curious and getting involved as much as possible helps me to learn and find better solutions.
Kathryn graduated with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree at RMIT University and has worked at Qenos, Australia's exclusive polyethylene manufacturer, in a variety of roles. These include design engineering, plant support engineering and maintenance coordination. She has also undertaken roles in business planning and production scheduling.
Her most recent role is Production Manager at the Olefins site with responsibilities for the operational facility including safety, health, environment and a large workforce involved in producing ethylene, the foundation stone for the manufacture of polyethylene.
Kathryn's career has also included diverse experiences such as being part of a steering committee for a Leadership Development program, mentoring younger engineers and leading safety audits of chemical plants including in China. She is also a recipient of the Uhde Shedden medal a recognition of practical services of the profession and to the practice of Chemical Engineering in Australia/New Zealand for younger engineers.
