SciGirls Role Models: Laura Valencia, Electrical Engineer

Laura Valencia is an Electrical Engineer at Eaton, designing and developing electrical controls for technology that people use on a daily basis. These projects range from construction equipment to air turbines that assist in energy resources. Her favorite part of the process of creating something new is the design stage because it allows her to be creative, but she also enjoys collaborating with her team. As a team of engineers, they all help with different stages of the process, which progresses from the beginning stages of design to prototyping and ending with environmental testing.

While in school, Laura loved math, but didn’t really know that much about electrical engineering. She became interested in how circuits of energy work, so she decided to pursue the career. She continued her education with the support of her parents and her six siblings, who immigrated to the United States earlier in her life. Outside of working with her team at Eaton, Laura loves being active outdoors and enjoying her environment. She explores her creativity at home by painting, taking photos and appreciating other artists’ work. As an independent woman in STEM, Laura highlights the importance of finding confidence within and not letting other people’s perceptions influence a dream.

Want to keep the inspiration flowing? Check out additional profiles of Minnesota women in STEM careers.

SciGirls is TPT’s National Science Foundation-funded program that engages girls (and boys!), families and educators nationwide around science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. By combining an Emmy Award-winning PBS series, multiple websites, hands-on activities and professional development workshops, SciGirls reaches millions on-the-air, online and in communities, inspiring the next generation of STEM superstars.