Name: Lilian Judy Agyemang-Yeboah
Alma Mater: University of Massachusetts - Lowell (UMass Lowell)
Career path: Plastics Engineering
Industries: Packaging- Films- Rubber- Biopharma
Tell Us What Sparked Your Interest In Plastics Engineering?
LAY: I always wanted to be in STEM because growing up I was very curious and hands on. I loved fixing things and always wanted to know why they work; an added bonus was my strength in Math. When it came to plastics, I knew nothing about plastics engineering until I stepped foot on campus, ready to go on a tour for chemical engineering. As God would have it, I was introduced to the Dean of the plastics department who shared a bit about the field, and I was sold.
It was not until I went out on my first Co-Op Experience that I truly fell in love with this field. There was so much I could do, I didn’t feel like I had to fit in one box. I could explore the medical industry, consumer goods, packaging, and so much more. So in a nutshell, my interest with plastics engineering was birthed from my exposure. Fun fact, there is a plastic in everything you use and everything around you.
“That’s the beauty of my job, and as essential personnel working to support COVID-19 efforts, nothing changed for me during the pandemic, we actually got busier.”
Walk Us Through A Day in Your Life Balancing Work & Podcasting.
LAY: I recently learned that I am a multi hyphenate, so honestly my days are barely consistent. Working as an engineer in the biopharma industry, my workday ranges from setting up testing protocols for our products, to designing plastics based products from concept, to problem solving, and sometimes researching new product opportunities. But that’s the beauty of my job, and as essential personnel working to support COVID-19 efforts, nothing changed for me during the pandemic, we actually got busier.
When I’m not engineering, I blog and explore ideas. I’ve been writing and blogging since 2015, so after a crazy work day, I get home and I put down some ideas, and research on the next possible opportunity I can embark on.
The pandemic really pushed me to achieve more for myself, so in 2020 my friend and I started a podcast to help the international student community, TheL&SDistrict Podcast, a podcast that seeks to share stories and provide resources for international students. From recording sessions, to meeting calls, I'm still able to work on new opportunities for my organization.
From Where Do You Pull Your Inspiration To Continue Being A Voice For Other Women?
LAY: From my failures. My journey to this point has been tough. Nothing was easy. Every step I took was hard and lonely. I didn’t have the expected college student journey, or the successful student experience. Everything I am today is because of my failures and mistakes. So that has always been the driving force behind everything I do. I’ve had life experiences I probably would’ve never had, if only I had someone to look up to, and guide me. This is why I’m currently creating an organization to inspire, mentor and empower young females in STEM or looking to go into STEM. Life and especially being a minority in this space, can be tough and intimidating, but you don’t have to go alone, you can look up to us to help you maximize all your opportunities.
Best Advice You’ve Received?
LAY: To never give up. Yes you’ve probably heard this so many times. But resilience is what pushed Thomas Edison to keep going, and Steve Jobs, and several others. Giving up only lengthens your process, because one thing to always know is that failing provides you with another opportunity for you to be successful. So hold fast, be resilient, you got this, Queen!
Thank You Lilian For All Of The Fantastic Work That You Do!
Follow Lilian’s Social Media and Podcast:
Instagram: @engr_lilian Podcast: @thelsdistrict
Personal Site: www.lilianjudy.com