Since 2015, the manufacturing industry has made significant progress regarding the gender gap between women and men in manufacturing. Yet, challenges remain – women still represent only 33% of the workforce and hold just 26% of leadership positions.
Encouraged by our own experience as women working in technology, at Azumuta, we wanted to explore what it’s like for women to navigate the manufacturing industry. We had the opportunity to sit down with Karina Rosales, Sales Representative for Mexico & LATAM at Engineering USA, to hear her story and insights.
With over 20 years of experience in IT and manufacturing, Karina shared her journey, her challenges, and her vision for the future of women in this field.
A Journey in Manufacturing
What motivated you to enter the manufacturing industry, and how has your experience been so far?
It was another woman who inspired me—my sister. She worked in IT, and when I was a child, she’d take me to her workplace. I was fascinated by the buttons, lights, cables, and machines. I wanted to learn how everything worked! That curiosity stayed with me for years, but it took me a long time to get there.
I started to work in Mexico when I was 10 years old. By the time I was 17, I was coordinating a team of 37 people. Of course, many of them would ask, ‘Why are you in charge?’ But I had the experience. I relied on my skills to earn their trust, and that’s what I’ve kept doing throughout my career—gaining experience and continuously learning.
Can you mention some professional achievements you are proud of?
What I’m most proud of is helping the people on my teams grow professionally. They are always my main motivation.
Together, we’ve achieved ambitious goals that allowed team members to buy their first cars or take significant steps in their careers. When you genuinely care about people, they notice, and it builds trust and commitment. That’s what makes me proudest—seeing others succeed.
What I’m most proud of is helping the people on my teams grow professionally. When you genuinely care about people, they notice, and it builds trust and commitment.
Breaking Barriers and Building Teams
Have you ever felt that your gender has influenced your career? If so, how?
Yes, absolutely. At one point in my career, I was one of 12 regional managers—the only woman and the first to hold that position. On top of that, I was managing the largest region and coordinating a mixed team of men and women.
Back then, unfortunately, some men didn’t like to have a woman as a manager. I had to prove myself constantly through results and hard work, which wasn’t always easy. While things have improved over time, there’s still work to do.
What changes have you noticed in the industry regarding inclusion and the role of women over the years?
I’ve been a witness to a technological evolution where reality often seems to overcome fiction, and I’ve also seen women in technology evolve. I follow and admire female latin american CEOs in the industry, like Paula Santilli and Indra Nooyi from Pepsico.
I’m also amazed by Nazareth Black who has adventured herself to start her company in the automotive industry in Mexico, a space that it was virtually impossible for women to be part of a decade ago.
The presence of women in manufacturing has grown significantly. They are showing their commitment and abilities, and this makes all of us stronger.
Empowering Women in Manufacturing
What do you think manufacturing companies can do to encourage women’s participation and leadership?
I think many barriers have already been broken. The companies where women thrive are those that create environments where they feel safe to raise their hand and say, ‘I want this role,’ or, ‘I can do this.’
This is a win-win situation: companies gain motivated professionals ready to take on responsibilities, and women feel empowered to excel without fear of bias.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in manufacturing?
First, gain experience and learn as much as you can. Then, once you gain the experience, have conviction in your abilities and don’t be afraid to say ‘I can do it’. Finally, when you advance in your career, support other women.
How do you see the future of women in the manufacturing industry, and what steps do you think are necessary to achieve greater equality of opportunity?
I think we’re on a good path, and things will continue to improve. Education is key. We need to ensure education is accessible to girls, especially in areas where it’s still a challenge. Online education is making a big difference, and we should continue to support and encourage it.
Another crucial factor is women supporting each other. When women share their expertise, coach, and motivate young talent, they create opportunities for the next generation. I see a future where women in manufacturing continue to grow stronger together.
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