2024 APEX Achievement Award Remarks
Lori Zipes
Naval Sea Systems Command
Despite how many times I have rehearsed this, I will probably not make it through this speech without getting emotional. That’s just who I am. So, bear with me!
I’m 15 years old and I need an idea for a science project. I find an article about ocean thermal energy conversion, or OTEC. It is about the cold water on the bottom of the ocean, and the warm water on the top of the ocean and using the temperature difference to create power. I think that is pretty cool and I wonder, “Could I make a science project out of this?” And with a little help, I do. It’s a very different kind of project, and I do very well at that science fair. I think, “Huh, maybe I can do this engineering thing.”
I am 19 years old and I just finished my sophomore year at MIT. I have never worked harder in my life. So many all-nighters studying alone. Despite all my efforts, I have lost my B average by a hair, and it’s devastating. I think, “maybe I can’t do this engineering thing.”
I am 27 years old and working for the Navy. We are installing new equipment on ships and training the sailors how to use it. They are so excited to see me and my team because we are replacing World War Two-era gear. The travel pace is rough, but this is so rewarding. I love engineering.
I am 29 years old. A department head in my organization has seen me leading some STEM outreach — yay for STEM outreach! — and asks if I would consider applying to be his deputy. He tells me he “sees something in me.” It’s an administrative role and nothing I would have ever considered. But he is executive level. You don’t say no to those people, right? So, I say yes. And I got the job. My peers in the other departments are 20 years older than me — and men. Things do not go well for me, but I learn a lot. And then I go back to engineering.
I am 37 years old. I join a technical society, INCOSE. I’ve come to really like systems engineering and I am welcomed as a respected peer from day one. The events, the online interaction, it’s such positive energy, and these people are so smart and so driven. It feels good to be a part of this. I’m happy.
I am 47 years old. I have been asked — no, cajoled — into taking on a very difficult job, and I agreed. Things are not going well. The very same people who talked me into the job are now calling me “intimidating and inflexible.” When I bring up the problematic behaviors being directed at me, I am accused of “having a chip on my shoulder.” During a conversation with the senior leader, I mention a career move I am considering. His response is “What does your husband do and what does he think about that?” A bit later, I left that organization.
I am 52 years old. I have been selected to serve as the command chief engineer at my new, much larger organization. I feel validated. I feel vindicated. I feel happy again.
And now, a few years later, here I am.
I share these stories because, while I am both honored and proud to receive this award, it has not been an easy or perfect journey. As a card-carrying member of the “hold your head high and quietly move on” club, I want more and more to be transparent about the hard parts of my journey. I know many of you have your own stories, and they are not all sunshine and rainbows.
Those challenging moments can be good; from them we grow. But some we don’t deserve, and some can get really bad. And because of that, some of you might leave engineering. That’s really unfortunate. The world needs women in engineering. We think differently, we lead differently, and those are good things. When you face a challenge, ask yourself, is this an opportunity to grow? Or not? You might realize there is a better path for you. And if that path helps you decide to stay in engineering, that’s the one I would want you on! This is your career; you get to decide what path you travel. Your friends and fans will support you on your journey. And I don’t need to tell you a lot of them are in this room. Help each other through those rough spots, champion and cheer for each other, because together we rise.
And I don’t want to sound too negative. I’ve made some choices to do things very differently sometimes, although not without some trepidation. Will this work? What will people think? Sometimes I ran it by a friend first — for a sanity check — because together we rise. More often than not, those moments worked out well and ultimately had a positive impact on my credibility and reputation. Those are some of the proudest moments of my career. Never be afraid to be you.
While I have had my detractors, I have also had a handful of truly wonderful mentors, a few inspiring role models, younger mentees and colleagues who re-energize me — especially my amazing nominator, Ashley [Durcholz] — one fabulous coach who appeared into my life with uncannily perfect timing, and, of course, a loving family that has cheered for me all along this unexpected path.
No one makes it to a point like this without support. I am extremely grateful for all the members of my “fan club.” And the fan club president is my husband, Paul, in the audience today. No one has stood by me and supported me as steadfastly and as long as you have; literally no one. You believe in me no matter what and that makes me a better, stronger person. I love you.
Again, I am incredibly honored and proud to receive this award. Thank you. And I look forward to seeing some of you amazing women up here in future years.
