Lenore Berman
Interview Posted By: Ashley Smith
1. Can you tell us a little about your background? i.e. Where you grew up, what education do you have, a summary of your resume, did you always want to do what you are doing now, when did you start to become interested in STEM, what internships/ volunteering
LB – I grew up in Milford Michigan, a small town near Ann Arbor.
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EDUCATION
Ø Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, University of Wisconsin – Parkside, 1998
Ø Associate Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University, 1981
Primary Designated Engineering Manager (2003 – 2008)
Managed, developed, and coordinated the administration and operation of 16 staff members to achieve technical objectives and operational goals. Functioned as a technical resource in the development and implementation of technical safety certification requirements, field reports and technical appeals. Interfaced with stakeholders to develop and implement operating goals, tactical plans and budgets for staff associated with Fire Protection, Security and Signaling Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment/Personal Flotation Devices, Chemicals (IMD’s), and Drinking Water certifications.
Participated on a team to implement the rollout of PDE Division which included the creation of 93 PDE roles and recruiting staff. Managed and oversaw the PDE Organization’s role in implementing a new process for qualifying technical reviewers through the pilot phase. Participated on the ‘New or Innovative‘ team that was responsible for implementing a new process when staff are evaluating product’s that don’t have the technical requirements defined.
Section Engineering Manager (1999-2003)
Managed, developed, and coordinated the administration and operation of22 staff members to achieve operational and business goals. Functioned as a resource in the development of new business, technical safety certification requirements, and technical documents associated with Large Appliances. Interfaced with stakeholders to develop and implement operating goals, tactical plans and budgets.
Functioned as UL’s Corporate Energy Verification Services (EVS) coordinator. Participated on a team involved with obtaining UL’s EVS for Electric Motors Classified as nationally Recognized Certification program for motor efficiency by the U.S. Department of Energy.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE: (1981 – 1999)
Held 7 positions with increasing responsibility that included product testing, handling and reviewing, managing and developing staff, Standard’s activities, and overseeing department’s tactical plan.
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In high school, my 3 girlfriends and I decided to sign up for Auto Mechanics together to learn some basics about cars (e.g. fix a flat tire, know how to check and add oil, and what to do if the car is overheating, etc.). My girlfriends ended up not signing up for the course. I decided to stay in the class and was glad that I did that. I even wore my Great Uncles’ jumpsuit that he wore when he worked at a gas station.
The teacher was also responsible for the Co-Op Program for the high school. He approached me about a position at General Motors Proving Grounds. I initially worked in an administrative position and was then given the opportunity to work with various engineers that were responsible for the safety, research and development of cars. The technology of airbags was in process. Research was ongoing with the effects of accidents involving multiple vehicles, cars hitting walls at high speeds, rollovers and use of seat belts. I always liked math but that job got me interested in the field of Electrical Engineering.
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
I’m the Corporate Quality Engineering Manager responsible for the internal technical audit program to meet business and accreditation needs for 44 sites globally. Responsibilities include:
a) the development/maintenance of program documentation; b) planning, initiating and overseeing the completion of project audits by working with the Quality Managers and Operation staff across UL’s global site; c) leading teams to resolve differences related to the interpretation of technical requirements; d) analyzing audit results on a quarterly basis to provide a report to Management. Also, involved when UL is piloting a new program to validate the technical integrity is being maintained and special investigations from a legal perspective.
3. How does STEM relate to your job?How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
See responses to Items 2 and 3 above.
4. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? If so, how did you deal with it? Do you have any advice for up and coming women in STEM?
Yes, I went through various stages of proving that I was capable of performing the job like my male colleagues from my 1st position to when I became a manager . Women were generally responsible for the administrative work. My girlfriend from college and I were the 1st women in the laboratory testing products. Sometimes the guys would say “Danger! Danger! a women is in the lab. “ I was considered sensitive and emotional when I spoke up to my Manager about a man that would yell at me for no reason.. While I was interviewing for my 1st position, the HR staff member told me that there were a lot of available men for me. I was told that "I pay when I play" when I became pregnant with my 1st son while finishing my bachelor degree. As time has evolved, more women in engineering positions were being hired and promoted so it is the norm. Also, there are a lot more women at various levels of Management including Officer Positions.
I learned early on that I needed to be able to not take it personal, speak up without being defensive and let my work prove it for me.
5. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
It became more difficult for me to do this as I was progressing in my job responsibilities at the Management level. I wasn’t taking all my vacation days or was bringing work home with me and while on various vacations. In 2013, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had recently completed my treatment in January 2015. During this time, it was a reality check for me that I needed to do a better job with the work- life balance.
I’ve learned to make sure I meet the required commitments of the job but that I needed to leave my work at the office when I left for the day. I took the attitude that if work isn’t there for me to perform when I returned to the office, then my position would be eliminated. I change out of my work clothes when I first get home to make the transition.
6. What do you define success as?
Meeting your goals in life both professionally and personally.
7. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
Being able to work with others to celebrate the successes and learn from any actions that could have been handled better.
8. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!) What did they teach you? How did they impact your life?
My dad and a Manager at UL. They listened to me and provided advice including constructive feedback when needed. The Manager at UL provided me some opportunities that were outside of my job responsibilities that I learned from. Don’t be afraid to take risks and realize that there will always be resources available to help you succeed. It gave me confidence to not be afraid of the unknown.
LB – I grew up in Milford Michigan, a small town near Ann Arbor.
********************************************************************************
EDUCATION
Ø Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, University of Wisconsin – Parkside, 1998
Ø Associate Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University, 1981
Primary Designated Engineering Manager (2003 – 2008)
Managed, developed, and coordinated the administration and operation of 16 staff members to achieve technical objectives and operational goals. Functioned as a technical resource in the development and implementation of technical safety certification requirements, field reports and technical appeals. Interfaced with stakeholders to develop and implement operating goals, tactical plans and budgets for staff associated with Fire Protection, Security and Signaling Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment/Personal Flotation Devices, Chemicals (IMD’s), and Drinking Water certifications.
Participated on a team to implement the rollout of PDE Division which included the creation of 93 PDE roles and recruiting staff. Managed and oversaw the PDE Organization’s role in implementing a new process for qualifying technical reviewers through the pilot phase. Participated on the ‘New or Innovative‘ team that was responsible for implementing a new process when staff are evaluating product’s that don’t have the technical requirements defined.
Section Engineering Manager (1999-2003)
Managed, developed, and coordinated the administration and operation of22 staff members to achieve operational and business goals. Functioned as a resource in the development of new business, technical safety certification requirements, and technical documents associated with Large Appliances. Interfaced with stakeholders to develop and implement operating goals, tactical plans and budgets.
Functioned as UL’s Corporate Energy Verification Services (EVS) coordinator. Participated on a team involved with obtaining UL’s EVS for Electric Motors Classified as nationally Recognized Certification program for motor efficiency by the U.S. Department of Energy.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE: (1981 – 1999)
Held 7 positions with increasing responsibility that included product testing, handling and reviewing, managing and developing staff, Standard’s activities, and overseeing department’s tactical plan.
*************************************************************************************************************************************
In high school, my 3 girlfriends and I decided to sign up for Auto Mechanics together to learn some basics about cars (e.g. fix a flat tire, know how to check and add oil, and what to do if the car is overheating, etc.). My girlfriends ended up not signing up for the course. I decided to stay in the class and was glad that I did that. I even wore my Great Uncles’ jumpsuit that he wore when he worked at a gas station.
The teacher was also responsible for the Co-Op Program for the high school. He approached me about a position at General Motors Proving Grounds. I initially worked in an administrative position and was then given the opportunity to work with various engineers that were responsible for the safety, research and development of cars. The technology of airbags was in process. Research was ongoing with the effects of accidents involving multiple vehicles, cars hitting walls at high speeds, rollovers and use of seat belts. I always liked math but that job got me interested in the field of Electrical Engineering.
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
I’m the Corporate Quality Engineering Manager responsible for the internal technical audit program to meet business and accreditation needs for 44 sites globally. Responsibilities include:
a) the development/maintenance of program documentation; b) planning, initiating and overseeing the completion of project audits by working with the Quality Managers and Operation staff across UL’s global site; c) leading teams to resolve differences related to the interpretation of technical requirements; d) analyzing audit results on a quarterly basis to provide a report to Management. Also, involved when UL is piloting a new program to validate the technical integrity is being maintained and special investigations from a legal perspective.
3. How does STEM relate to your job?How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
See responses to Items 2 and 3 above.
4. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? If so, how did you deal with it? Do you have any advice for up and coming women in STEM?
Yes, I went through various stages of proving that I was capable of performing the job like my male colleagues from my 1st position to when I became a manager . Women were generally responsible for the administrative work. My girlfriend from college and I were the 1st women in the laboratory testing products. Sometimes the guys would say “Danger! Danger! a women is in the lab. “ I was considered sensitive and emotional when I spoke up to my Manager about a man that would yell at me for no reason.. While I was interviewing for my 1st position, the HR staff member told me that there were a lot of available men for me. I was told that "I pay when I play" when I became pregnant with my 1st son while finishing my bachelor degree. As time has evolved, more women in engineering positions were being hired and promoted so it is the norm. Also, there are a lot more women at various levels of Management including Officer Positions.
I learned early on that I needed to be able to not take it personal, speak up without being defensive and let my work prove it for me.
5. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
It became more difficult for me to do this as I was progressing in my job responsibilities at the Management level. I wasn’t taking all my vacation days or was bringing work home with me and while on various vacations. In 2013, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had recently completed my treatment in January 2015. During this time, it was a reality check for me that I needed to do a better job with the work- life balance.
I’ve learned to make sure I meet the required commitments of the job but that I needed to leave my work at the office when I left for the day. I took the attitude that if work isn’t there for me to perform when I returned to the office, then my position would be eliminated. I change out of my work clothes when I first get home to make the transition.
6. What do you define success as?
Meeting your goals in life both professionally and personally.
7. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
Being able to work with others to celebrate the successes and learn from any actions that could have been handled better.
8. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!) What did they teach you? How did they impact your life?
My dad and a Manager at UL. They listened to me and provided advice including constructive feedback when needed. The Manager at UL provided me some opportunities that were outside of my job responsibilities that I learned from. Don’t be afraid to take risks and realize that there will always be resources available to help you succeed. It gave me confidence to not be afraid of the unknown.