The month of March is an important one for Northeast Biomedical, as we are excited to celebrate Women’s History Month. We appreciate and acknowledge all the amazing things the women of our company do for NEB and recognize we would not be the company we are today without them. From project managing to taking charge on our quality systems, the women of NEB are essential to company success.
To spotlight each of the women at Northeast Biomedical, read what each of them had to say as they reflected on what Women’s History Month means to them:
Kaylin Donoghue, Design Quality Engineer
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
In my opinion, Women’s History Month means commemorating the contributions and achievements of women throughout the years but also encouraging new ones. Women’s History Month is not limited to the achievements accomplished by women in the past, but also the present and future (we are creating history).
What is something you are proud of having worked on at NEB?
I am incredibly proud to have worked on one specific project including a next- generation aortic cannula. This particular project will be going through NIH Clinical Trials relatively soon, which means that something I contributed to will be going inside actual human bodies soon!
Do you have a role model or favorite quote? Why?
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
Katie Colombo, Product Development Engineer
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Ensuring women get the recognition they deserve and making sure women feel safe and appreciated at work and throughout their daily activities.
What is something you are proud of having worked on at NEB?
My first project that I led by myself at NEB is one I am proud of. It was working with American Surgical Company to develop a new type of neurosurgical pattie. Being the project manager for this project led me to realize I really enjoy this type of work. It was the perfect mixture of the technical side of engineering and the organizational side of managing and leading. Not only was my entire team on this project all women, but we also completed the project on time and on budget, with deliverables I am proud of.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women?
Never make excuses or apologize for what you feel you deserve.
Athena Osbourne, Senior Engineer
What advice would you give to the next generation of women?
You don’t have to be 100% sure your thoughts are right for them to be valuable and worth sharing!
Do you have a role model or favorite quote? Why?
“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart
What is your favorite part of your job?
I like purposefully shifting mindsets at different points during the product development process. When you are brainstorming new concepts and you need to put on your most optimistic hat and see the million different ways a problem could be solved without discounting any of them right off the bat. Then you start assessing risks of the same device and need to do the complete opposite and think of all the possible ways that same design could fail. Being allowed to think at both ends of the spectrum and balance that information to move the design forward is challenging but fun.
Emily Nelson, Marketing Specialist & Biomedical Engineer
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
To me, celebrating Women’s History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate all the women who have pushed the boundaries and paved the way to give us the opportunities we have today. But also celebrating what is to come for women!
Growing up, was there someone in your life that inspired you to become who you are today? Who was it, and why?
Lucky for me, my role model and inspiration growing up happen to be someone I was closest too, my sister. She is four years older than me and was always admit about breaking into the STEM field. Today, she is a lead radiation therapist at MGH. I look at all she’s accomplished and how she has been to navigate and overcome the challenges of being a woman in the STEM field and feel incredibly inspired.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women?
Take advantage of all the opportunities and resources given to you being a woman. Build your network and find a strong role model you can look up to throughout your career.
Aimee Kenison, Design Quality Engineer
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women's History Month to me is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. That the work is never done, and we need to consistently work towards improvement because large changes come from small actions.
What is something you are proud of having worked on at NEB?
I am proud to have worked on numerous procedures in our ISO13485 Quality management system because this is the foundation of ensuring high quality product and outcomes.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women?
Advice I would give to the next generation of women would be to speak up when you have an idea, don’t wait for it to be perfect because nothing ever is.