Since 2014, International Women in Engineering Day is celebrated annually on June 23 as a platform “to raise the profile of women in engineering, offer encouragement and support, and empower female engineers to reach their potential.” In every division of the company and across our entire service area, dozens of women engineers thrive and contribute their unique talents to an ever evolving field that has the potential to change lives for the better. The theme of this year’s celebration – “Enhanced by Engineering” – resonates strongly with several women who are in the earlier stages of their Atmos Energy careers.

Karlie Matherne is an engineer in the Louisiana division who joined Atmos Energy almost two years ago and was drawn to what she describes as the ideal combination of design, problem solving, and project management skills. “Engineering is a very versatile and highly demanding discipline,” said Matherne. “But I enjoy problem solving and knew that I would have a variety of opportunities to make a positive impact on the world, so earning a chemical engineering degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette was well worth the challenge.”

Opting for a career in engineering was familiar to Matherne, who has two older brothers that are engineers and had been her mentors since starting college. “They have always offered advice and supported me in choosing the right path,” she added. “Becoming an engineer was the best decision ever, and I am forever grateful to my brothers for guiding me.”

Elizabeth Orbin, who has a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Arkansas and joined Atmos Pipeline-Texas three years ago, echoed the value of a support network that championed her career decisions. “My family and friends always supported me through my education,” Orbin said. “Earning my degree provided the foundation of knowledge that I need to be a compliance engineer. After graduating, a friend who works for Atmos Energy pointed me towards job opportunities here that would allow me to use the skills I learned in college.”

Kristen Williams, a Mississippi division engineer who recently celebrated her six-year anniversary at the company, was inspired at an early age. “Growing up, I always had an aptitude for science and mathematics, and when you paired that with my passion for problem-solving, engineering just seemed to be a natural fit,” said Williams. “Engineering is also known for its strong job prospects and stability, which I knew would provide a rewarding and secure career path for me and my future family.”

Williams was also motivated by someone who shared her interests and goals while earning her civil engineering degree at Mississippi State University – and that someone eventually became her husband. “He and I were both passionate about engineering – we studied together, collaborated on projects, and encouraged each other through challenging courses and exams,” added Williams. “Our mutual support and understanding during tough times were invaluable, and we pushed each other to excel. Having someone who truly understood the demands and rewards of an engineering career made the journey not only more manageable, but also more enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Senior Engineer Edie Lopez, who joined the Mid-Tex division five years ago, eventually pursued engineering to support the community that raised her. “I grew up locally and went to Dallas public schools, then graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington,” said Lopez. “I chose to stay local because I love where I come from, and I wanted to support my community to the best of my ability. Being from this area has given me a special appreciation for all the local neighborhoods and motivates me to Be at My Best because I am personally invested – and that is what the community deserves.”

While she may have been determined to give back, Lopez did not know at first what form that might take. “I was a little late to the engineering party,” she explains. “I didn’t even know that engineering was a career option until the summer of my senior year in high school. Thanks to the encouragement of someone who would become my future mentor and employer, I became interested in engineering. That guidance and input were invaluable, because engineering wasn’t something that was pursued by those around me.”

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of women in engineering careers increased five-fold from 1970 to 2019. As more women obtain engineering degrees, the world is enhanced by their diverse thoughts and problem-solving skills.

Elizabeth Orbin is excited that the number of female engineers continues to increase and encourages women considering a field in engineering to embrace the challenge. “Achieving my degree in engineering was a rewarding but difficult journey at times,” she reveals. “All the challenges I was able to overcome enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the field, which helps illustrate why the ‘Enhanced by Engineering’ theme resonates with me.”

Karlie Matherne agrees, saying, “As a female engineer, I bring a unique perspective and problem-solving approach to the table, and I would hope to inspire future generations of women to pursue this career. ‘Enhanced by Engineering’ acknowledges the valuable technical skills, creativity, and expertise that female engineers contribute to the engineering community.”

“Engineering has not only enhanced my professional capabilities but also enriched my personal growth, offering opportunities to innovate and make a tangible impact on society,” Kristen Williams concludes. “The transformative power of engineering advances technology, improves lives, and drives progress, which aligns with my passion to Make a Difference through my work at Atmos Energy.”