Trudy Curley
Axon
Tempe, AZ USA
"There are times when I design or build something and it doesn’t work. But don’t ever be afraid to take the initiative and take the lead."
Career Roadmap
Trudy's work combines: Engineering, Science, and Building Things
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Do not be shy nor intimidated by what you want to study; believe in yourself and surround yourself with other like-minded individuals. Take as much math and science classes early on as you can. Start interning in the field you are interested in early in college. Don't wait until you graduate.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Mechanical Engineering
University of Kansas
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Growing up, my family had a very “fix-it-yourself” mindset—we would never call a plumber or electrician; we would figure out a way to fix it ourselves—so I spent a lot of time building things.
2.
I developed an early interest in math and science which, combined with my knack for building things, led me to pursue engineering in high school.
3.
I earned a full-ride scholarship to college as a Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar for my work promoting community-based programs to empower the underserved.
4.
Attended The University of Kansas, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
5.
While in college, I became the president of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), which seeks to increase American Indian representation in STEM fields.
6.
As a sophomore, I interned at Hallmark Cards in process improvement and supply chain business enablement, which really helped me understand how engineering aligns theory and real-world problems.
7.
I also interned at The Boeing Company working in commercial aircraft and military testing, which led to my first job out of college working as a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry.
8.
I now work as a mechanical engineer for Axon, working on weapons and TASER self-defense devices.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You're a woman and a minority, there is no place for you here.
How I responded:
Entering into a STEM field as a woman and as a Native American was really challenging because there isn't a lot of representation. There have definitely been times where other male engineers don't take me seriously or just ignore me. I tried not to let this bother me and instead found it encouraging because I knew I was bringing diversity to the field.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I didn't have a lot of money growing up and couldn't afford to go to college. I managed to receive a full-ride scholarship from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
I was the first person in my family to go to college and, even though they couldn't really help me, my parents and friends were very supportive.
There isn't a lot of representation in engineering for American Indians (or women) like myself. It can be intimidating, so I joined the Society of Women Engineers and the American Indian Science & Engineering Society to build supportive networks.
Working in the industry that I do (weapons manufacturing), it can be stressful knowing that all of the work you do could mean the life or death of someone in the military or law enforcement. I just have to stay focused and do the best I can.