Elizabeth Cortes has learned one important lesson at PNW: how to overcome sexism.

“My major is predominately male based,” said Cortes, a senior Mechanical Engineering major. “I knew going into this field I would have many challenges. I have faced many cases of where I was told I would fail and be unsuccessful because I am a woman. “ 

Women receive backlash for doing jobs that are stereotypically male. 

“Being a woman in engineering is already something that causes people to take a second look,” she said. “I am only one of four women in my graduating class of engineers. The rest are men. 

“That does not faze me in the slightest,” said Cortes. “If anything it gives me more drive and motivation to not only be on the same level as men but to succeed them.”

Sexism is too common in the engineering workplace, she said. Many women are turned down even if they have more to offer than the male who got the job.

“There has always been discrimination in my field,” said Cortes. “I have received comments … and [classmates] would not take me seriously based on my gender. 

“I am not oblivious to it,” she said. “If anything it has made me learn to adapt to different environments.”

As she prepares for graduation, Cortes said she remains determined to not fall victim to the stereotypes. 

“Throughout all this, the most important lesson I have learned is to never let others’ doubts bother me. I will always keep my head up and use my problem-solving skills to adapt to any situation.

“I learned to set boundaries and allow myself to get my tasks done but to do so to where I earn and gain the respect of those who looked down on me based on my gender,” she said.