Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day

October 20, 2015

After high school, Caterpillar Vice President Jean Savage boarded an airplane for the first time, ready to leave home – also for the first time. Before long, the plane landed, and Jean was in basic training. She’d taken on the challenge of serving her country while also paying for college.

Jean chose engineering as a college major and went on to spend nine years as a military intelligence officer in U.S. Army Reserves. She brought the leadership skills she learned in the military with her to Parker Hannifan, where she held several positions in engineering and manufacturing, and later to Caterpillar subsidiary Progress Rail Services. Now, she leads a large, diverse team as Vice President with responsibility for the Advanced Components & Systems Division.

To share her message that there are fascinating career opportunities for women in engineering and manufacturing, Jean graciously agreed to speak with the more than 700 middle and high school girls as part of Caterpillar’s third annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. Caterpillar understands that offering students in the community the chance to learn more about what we do will ensure that Caterpillar continues to attract the best employees for years to come.

This event, designed to teach girls about engineering careers, engineering innovations, problem solving and teamwork/communication, was popular in the Peoria and Decatur, Illinois, areas last year. Girls from local For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) groups will also participate and encourage younger girls to get involved in STEM-related classes and activities.

Jean commented, “Graduates of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are a critical piece of the Caterpillar talent pipeline. Today, we have more than 11,000 engineers and technologists developing innovative solutions for our customers. Continuing this pace of innovation requires a sustainable pipeline of technical talent. For that reason, we need to encourage skilled trades and vocational skills, as well as cultivate an environment where innovation is rewarded and can flourish.”

Caterpillar facilities in Peoria, Aurora, and Decatur, Illinois, as well as South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are participating this year.