NSBE - March/April 2008 - (Page 38)

PrEMiEr PROFILE By J. Jaye steen Goodness Ikeri of Caterpillar Packaging Challenge and Success G “I really enjoy the sense of urgency involved in a manufacturing environment. I enjoy working with operators, suppliers and peers alike.” oodness U. Ikeri is a packaging engineer in the Power Systems Division of Caterpillar Inc. (Cat), the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. Ikeri says being female in a male-dominated field might be discouraging for some young women seeking a technical career, but not for her. “I have held positions where I’ve been the only woman. I couldn’t be afraid, though, just because it wasn’t the norm,” she says. Ikeri encourages young women interested in engineering and technology to “accept the challenge, and enjoy opportunities for success.” At Caterpillar, Ikeri has enjoyed many opportunities to succeed. She is responsible for protective packaging containers for engines and engine parts at Cat’s Lafayette, Ind., facility. “I analyze engineering drawings and specifications of products to determine physical characteristics of items, special handling and safety requirements, and types of materials required for containers,” she explains. She also evaluates and implements cost savings opportunities for equipment and facilities. Ikeri’s team is now working on assembly lines for Generation II of Caterpillar’s C175 family of diesel generator sets. “I really enjoy the sense of urgency involved in a manufacturing environment. I enjoy working with operators, suppliers and peers alike,” says Ikeri. She always liked math and science and, like many engineers, enjoyed taking things apart and fixing things when she was growing up. But she considered various careers through high school, including computer programming and even surgery. It was not until her undergraduate years as a computer science major at historically black Tennessee State University that Ikeri decided to become an engineer. She now holds a master of science in engineering management and an M.A. in educational technology, both from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Ikeri became involved with NSBE at Tennessee State. “I really enjoyed the networking activities, the professional development and the community service opportunities that NSBE offered,” she says. NSBE also gave her access to professional opportunities. “I met recruiters from Caterpillar through a NSBE (Annual) National Convention while I was in graduate school,” she relates. Ikeri is now in the Manufacturing Professional Development Program (MPDP) at Caterpillar. The program’s purpose is to develop and train new leaders, with a particular focus on operations, process engineering, purchasing and logistics. She is scheduled to graduate in May. “It is a three-year rotational program, and I am in my final rotation,” Ikeri explains. “It has given me the opportunity to experience different business units.” Despite her busy professional schedule, Ikeri does volunteer work in her community. “The MPDP and the Caterpillar African American Network (CAAN) members are given the opportunity to be active in the community. I am also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Indiana and a Big Brother Big Sister volunteer,” she says. As a NSBE Alumni member, she also continues to offer support to NSBE students as a mentor and as a participant in “shadow days,” in which students visit the Cat plant and follow engineers at work. Ikeri says she continues to seek out mentors for herself. “I have a mentor inside the company that I go to when I have questions or need clarification on matters requiring decisions,” she says. “I also bounce ideas off of my dad,” she continues, adding that both of her parents play a big role in her decision-making. True success doesn’t come without hard work, Ikeri believes. She offers this advice to young women pursuing similar careers in engineering and technology: “Always accept the challenges so that you can feel the delight of victory.” ■ www.nsbe.org 38 • march/april 2008 • http://www.nsbe.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NSBE - March/April 2008

NSBE - March/April 2008
Contents
The Flame of Change
What Is Your Smile Saying?
International News: Telecom Training In Nigeria
Get Involved, Get International!
NSBE International, History in Brief
Truth Power!
Is Government Work for You?
Partners for Positive Impact
Regional News: Region III Economic Overview
GM Flexes Its Green
NSBE Calendar
Hot…Not
A Well-Deserved Break
Goodness Ikeri of Caterpillar
Tonya Erwin of Toyota
Albert Rodriques of Lehman Brothers
Igniting the Torch
Finding Career Fair Success
The AE Niche
Working in Harm’s Way
Reality Check
AE Members on the Move
Advertisers Index

NSBE - March/April 2008

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