As a woman in engineering and a mother of neurodivergent children, I’ve come to appreciate the power of technology not just as a career tool but as a way to create impactful change.
My name is Nancy Sun, and over my 20-year career in the tech industry, I’ve worked at the cutting edge of innovation. However, the most meaningful work I’ve done is rooted in my personal life — developing tools to support neurodivergent children, including my own, on their learning journeys.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Engineering
When I first entered engineering, I knew I was stepping into a field where women were underrepresented. While the challenges were real, so was the community of women engineers who inspired me to persevere. That spirit of innovation and resilience has been a driving force throughout my career.
That “aha” moment became unmistakable when my 4-year-old son showed little interest in traditional learning, particularly during story time. What should have been a time of bonding and learning was quickly turning into a time of frustration and misunderstanding.
At the time, he was too young to be officially diagnosed, but with our family history, we were certain he had ADHD. My experience in engineering, rooted in problem-solving, system design, and data-driven innovation, highlighted a critical need for customized learning solutions for the children our education system is failing today.
Bridging the Gap with Customized Learning
Like many parents, I struggled to find ways to keep my kids, who have ADHD, engaged in reading. The conventional options often fell short of meeting their needs, leading to frustration and disengagement.
I knew there had to be a better way — a way that leveraged my tech background to create personalized, interactive, and inclusive learning experiences. With my husband as my partner, we began building tools that would not only address our children’s needs but also help families and educators worldwide.
The Role of AI in Personalized Learning
The idea was to use AI to create custom learning experiences that cater specifically to the unique interests and reading levels of children.
For neurodivergent kids, this means creating narratives that meet them where they are, whether it’s breaking down complex language, integrating sensory-friendly illustrations, or offering interactive components that keep them engaged. The tools are also designed to make learning accessible and enjoyable.
Reducing Stigma and Building Understanding
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been seeing how technology can reduce the stigma neurodivergent children often face.
By providing tools that celebrate their unique ways of learning and thinking, we’re fostering environments where neurodivergent children can thrive — such as enabling children to engage with stories tailored to their interests, or providing them with the emotional support for those big feelings, or creating interactive lessons that cater to their individual learning needs and boost both confidence and participation.
But this isn’t just about technology — it’s about creating a culture of understanding. Custom learning experiences can empower kids, boost their confidence, and help them feel included in their educational communities.
Women Engineers: Agents of Change
As women engineers, we bring diverse perspectives to the table — perspectives that are critical in designing solutions for an equally diverse world. The challenges faced by neurodivergent learners are multifaceted, but so are the opportunities to innovate.
My journey has shown me how deeply personal challenges can inspire groundbreaking solutions, and I believe our unique experiences as women in engineering enable us to drive meaningful change.
A Call to Action
For members of the Society of Women Engineers, I want to share this message: your skills and experiences matter. Whether you’re designing software, building systems, or mentoring the next generation, your work has the potential to impact lives in ways you may not yet realize.
For me, that impact began at home but has extended to communities around the world. I encourage you to think about how your engineering expertise can create solutions for the challenges you’re passionate about, because the possibilities are limitless.
Building an Inclusive Future
Use your skillset for good. Women engineers have the opportunity to be part of the solution. Together, we can make our world a better place. For me it’s a world where every child — neurodivergent or neurotypical — has the tools they need to succeed, and where engineering continues to be a force for inclusion, empowerment, and change.
