#iLookLikeAnEngineer Spotlights Workforce Stereotypes

by Morgan Cruz, Marketing Content Coordinator, MHI | @mhi_morgan

#iLookLikeAnEngineer has recently ignited conversation challenging stereotypes for women in the workforce. Isis Wenger, platform Engineer for OneLogin unassumingly created this social media trend after receiving backlash for her appearance on OneLogin’s recruitment ad for engineers. Although Wenger was one of four employees to appear in the campaign, her ad received the most attention.

USA today notes a shocking response:

“I’m curious people with brains find this quote remotely plausible if women in particular buy this image of what a female software engineer looks like,” one person remarked.

Wenger challenged those doubting her authenticity by posting a picture of herself with a sign that reads, I help build enterprise software #iLookLikeAnEngineer. Wenger encouraged others that don’t fit the typical look of an engineer to help create a new image using the #iLookLikeAnEngineer hashtag. As a result, thousands of female engineers are sharing their #iLookLikeAnEngineer images on social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram.

Like engineering, the supply chain industry is traditionally dominated by males and faces challenges in diversifying the workforce. This is not to say that a women cannot and should not have the same opportunity as a man to advance. Wenger explains, “ The reality is that most people are well intentioned but genuinely blind to a lot of the crap that those who do not identify as male have to deal with.” She goes on to list personal experiences with harassment in the workplace in an explanation about her participation in the campaign.

In the midst of female empowerment, MHI would like to recognize the women on our staff who work very hard and provide us with such diverse talents. They have the ability for limitless impact on the supply chain industry.

MHIladypic

(listed from left to right)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angela Jenkins, Education Coordinator – Ashly Guthrie, Market Analyst
– Donna Varner, Executive Administrator – Kay Clark, Meeting/Events Services Planner – Amy Shelton, Creative Manager – Morgan Cruz, Marketing Content Coordinator – Weldon Morris, Membership Coordinator – Loretta Barter, HR Services Manager – Liz Glover, Staff Accountant – Carol Miller, VP of Marketing
Staff not in photo:
Devon Birch, Director of Membership – Melissa Auer, Exhibitor Services Manager – Teresa Lopez, Education Coordinator – Erin Walker, Meeting/Events Services Planner

MHI recognizes the industry’s need for attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce to sustain our industry. Tuesday, October 6th at the MHI Annual Conference six expert panelist will discuss challenges facing our supply chain for talent, and explore creative solutions. For more information and to register visit mhi.org/annual2015.

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