How One Engineer Learned to Advocate for Herself—and Help Other Women Rise

Building a career in STEM takes technical expertise, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning—but for Sinead Fernandes, it has also meant learning how to advocate for herself and make space for other women along the way.

As a Test Development Engineer in Jabil’s healthcare division, Fernandes designs and debugs test systems, analyzes data, troubleshoots failures, and works across disciplines to support healthcare technologies. Her career has been shaped by the hands-on engineering experiences she gained as a student, as well as the mentors and workplace communities that encouraged her to grow.

“I am so proud to be a woman in STEM,” she tells Fairygodboss. “I earned my Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Florida Polytechnic University and have authored four IEEE peer-reviewed research publications that have been cited more than 75 times. Those achievements reflect a lot of hard work and curiosity, and they inspire me to continue growing while encouraging the next generation of women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”

Now, Fernandes is committed to paying all of the support she’s had forward. Through Jabil’s Emerging Talent Program, Women’s Employee Resource Group, and other workplace communities, she has found opportunities to mentor and support others.

We spoke with Fernandes about building a career in STEM, finding confidence through mentorship, advocating for yourself, and why helping another woman succeed never takes away from your own success.

Can you share a bit about your career journey and how you’ve grown into your current role?

My career journey started at Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University, where the small class sizes and accessible professors gave me opportunities to ask questions, explore new ideas, and build confidence as an engineer. From my freshman year, I was encouraged to think creatively through hands-on projects like designing structures, building boats from recycled materials, and using 3D printing technology to bring concepts to life.

One of the most impactful experiences was my senior capstone project, where students from different engineering disciplines partnered with an industry sponsor to develop a real-world solution to an engineering challenge. That experience taught me how to balance technical design decisions with practical factors like cost, project requirements, and customer needs.

Looking back, many of the problem-solving, design, and collaboration skills I developed during that project are the same ones I use today as a test development engineer, helping me design, debug, and improve test systems in the healthcare industry.

What career decision or move are you most proud of so far?

One of the career moves I am most proud of was speaking up for myself and requesting a compensation review when I felt my growth and contributions were not fully reflected. I came prepared with evidence of my accomplishments, expanded responsibilities, and impact, and was able to successfully earn a double-digit percentage compensation increase. That experience taught me the value of self-advocacy and supporting your case with facts.

What role have mentorship or sponsorship played in your career so far?

Mentorship has been one of the most valuable parts of my career journey. Through the Jabil Emerging Talent Program (JET), my mentor Monica has taught me how to advocate for myself, communicate my value, and approach career growth with confidence. I've learned so much from her experience as an engineer, and her guidance has had a lasting impact on both my professional development and personal growth.

How have employee networks or workplace communities contributed to your professional growth or sense of belonging?

Employee networks and workplace communities have played a huge role in both my professional growth and sense of belonging. Through programs like Jabil Emerging Talent (JET), the Women's Employee Resource Group (ERG), and Jabil Cares volunteer opportunities, I've felt heard, supported, and connected to a broader community within the company. These groups have provided valuable insights, career advice, and networking opportunities that have helped me grow personally and professionally, and they've shown me just how important building relationships is to long-term success.

As you grow in your career, how do you make a point of lifting other women up along the way?

As I have grown in my career, I have tried to support other women by sharing opportunities, offering guidance, and being a resource whenever I can. One example I am especially proud of is helping a colleague I met through the Jabil Emerging Talent (JET) program acquire an interview opportunity on my team after I learned she was being laid off. She was ultimately hired and continues to build her career at Jabil today.

I'm also actively involved in Women’s ERG and believe that even small acts of support, mentorship, and encouragement can make a meaningful difference in helping others succeed.

What are ways women can help support and advance the careers of those around them?

I believe one of the most impactful things women can do is openly share their experiences, career goals, and lessons learned. When women are comfortable doing so, conversations about topics like compensation, career progression, and opportunities can help others make informed decisions and advocate for themselves. Knowledge is power, and helping another woman succeed does not take anything away from your own success.

Support can also come from small, everyday actions that help create a more inclusive environment. Something as simple as inviting a new colleague to join a group lunch, introducing them to others, or asking someone new to join you for a morning walk can help build connections and make people feel welcomed. Building supportive networks, sharing opportunities, and celebrating each other's achievements creates a culture where everyone has a better chance to grow and thrive.

In what ways does your company foster a supportive and inclusive environment for women?

Jabil fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for women by creating opportunities for connection, mentorship, and professional development. The Women's ERG has been especially impactful, providing a space where women can build relationships, share experiences, and learn from one another.

I also appreciate how accessible women leaders are at Jabil through events and open discussions, where they candidly share their career journeys, leadership experiences, and perspectives on balancing family and work. These conversations, combined with Jabil's support for parenthood and flexible work arrangements, help create an environment where women can grow both personally and professionally.