This week on Taking the Hire Road, and in honor of Women’s History Month, host Jeremy Reymer, founder and CEO of DriverReach, sat down with Amy Boerger, Cummins Engine Plant’s first female product engineer and vice president.
Boerger joined Cummins after obtaining an engineering degree and now plans to retire after nearly 40 years with the company.
“It’s an amazing industry — collaborative yet competitive — and it’s built on relationships, which is where I love to spend my time,” she said. “I could point to hundreds of people who have positively impacted my growth — both personally and professionally.”
With Women’s History Month upon us, Boerger reflected on her career in a male-dominated industry.
“When I first came into the industry, [the barriers] were less about being female and more about being young. You wanted to be seen as someone who knew something and could bring something to the table and support others,” she said. “The industry is much more diverse today than it was. You look at it all now and it’s a much different picture than 40 years ago.”
While the industry is very different than it was 40 years ago, the key to success is very much the same, according to Boerger.
“Step in, lean in. If you give your heart to what you’re doing, you will be well accepted, and this industry is a very accepting industry for those who truly care and show it,” she said. “Put your heart and soul into it and you’ll find success.”
Before retirement, Boerger has been helping Cummins with Destination Zero, the company’s strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
“[Implementing these goals is] not a one-size-fits-all method. We are trying to figure out how to help [our customers] at every point in [the supply chain] that makes sense for them, with the products that make sense for them,” she said.
Boerger noted she will be succeeded by José Samperio, who embodies the same principles and priorities, leaving Cummins in good hands.
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