Woman in STEAM Spotlight: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

This week, we’re excited to feature Heather Dubinsky, a parent and valued community member, as our Woman in STEAM! 

Student Nicolette Lischer selected Mrs. Dubinsky for this spotlight and conducted an interview exploring her journey in STEAM—from her education and inspirations to her career path, challenges, and proudest accomplishments. They also discussed the skills that matter most, the support systems that helped along the way, and advice she’d share with girls interested in STEAM careers.

The interview wrapped up with some fun, personal questions about hobbies, work-life balance, and what she would invent if she could create anything in her field.

Heather Dubinsky’s responses:

Inspiration: Went into electrical engineering, but didn’t like it. Instead, she switched to industrial engineering because she likes problem solving.

Training and significant subjects: University of Arizona and mathematics and science for the foundation of her job.

Initial Interests: Her interests changed over time, as her IT teacher told her women couldn’t solve problems, which motivated her.

Typical Day: Teaching people how to solve problems and helping make their business more efficient.

Accomplishments: To build a continuous improvement program to scale larger businesses.

Challenges as a woman: Told she cannot be an engineer.

Important skills to STEAM: To be an effective communicator and collaborator.

Supportive person: Her mom, who was a teacher.

Advice: Give yourself a mentor and build communications.

Advice to your younger self: Get a mentor out of school and be a leader.

Enjoyments of the career: To be a leader.

Hobbies: Gardening and playing tennis with Makenzie.

A new invention: A culture that supports women fully.

Stay tuned as we celebrate women who inspire the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers!