The “Her Stories: Adventures in STEM” blog series is a collection of stories about 20 women in science and engineering fields, written by members of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Pre-College Engagement and Support (PCES) Committee.
These inspiring women have experienced a variety of life experiences and career paths, and these stories and accompanying artwork help to capture the vast diversity of our featured scientists and engineers.
We hope this series will show you how exciting engineering and science can be and help you realize that anyone can choose to become a scientist or an engineer.
Story by Feben Wolde-Semayat
In the quiet hum of gears and soft whir of circuits, Romana Carden discovered a world beyond nuts and bolts— it was a universe where people were the intricate components of a grand design.
High school brought her into the exhilarating realm of FIRST Robotics, where robots were not just machines, but reflections of the diverse strengths and weaknesses that make us human.
Just like the gears and circuits that comprised her creations, people, too, were unique. It was not just about nuts and bolts; it was a revelation about the beautiful complexity of humanity. This principle, learned amid the whirring sounds of creation, allowed her to see beyond the surface. She saw that everyone belongs.
In a quiet town in Michigan, where innovation whispered through the air, lived Romana — a young girl with a curiosity that sparked like the brightest star. With her brother and parents by her side, she stepped into a world where no one in her family had been before: the world of engineering.
High school brought about a whirlwind of activities, but it was FIRST Robotics that stole Romana’s heart. Amidst the bustling high school scene of the marching band, Girl Scouts, and theater, FIRST Robotics became Romana’s guiding light.
Robotics was not just about gears and circuits but about discovering a passion that set her soul on fire. The excitement of building robots, the thrill of competition, and the friendships forged across the country became the rhythm of her teenage years. Romana was not just a participant. She became the scout captain, making strategic decisions that led her team to victory.
As Romana embarked on her college adventure at Michigan Technological University, she chose an unconventional path. Not only the path of the snowiest college in the United States — even beating Alaska — but also the degree of engineering management. Dreams of aerospace projects with NASA and military satellites unfolded, bringing challenges and triumphs. Through it all, Romana embraced her uniqueness and turned hurdles into stepping stones.
Her journey, though, was about more than just academic success. It was about overcoming challenges in math and science and proving that passion and hard work could lead to success in the dynamic field of engineering.
She was not a straight-A student in math and science, which is why she worked harder than her peers to keep up. But that did not scare her away from her passion — she put in more hours and reached out for help. Romana liked learning new things and working hard, and she loved innovation. Despite being a B student, she belonged.
In the professional world, Romana currently serves as a components development engineer where she focuses on product development to prepare gas tanks for manufacturing.
Outside of engineering, Romana discovered the enchanting world of aerialist activities. As she twirled and spun on silks, she realized that problem-solving was not just for robots — it is a skill that can conquer any challenge.
As you reflect on Romana’s story, remember this: success is not just about the grades you get or the degree you hold. It is about following your passions, solving problems, and believing that you can make a mark in the world.
The world of engineering is open to anyone with a curious mind and the courage to explore the unknown. Everyone belongs. Who knows what wonders await when you dare to dream like Romana?
Know a pre-college kid interested in STEM? Join SWENext, the Society’s free program that allows students ages 5 through 18 to join the SWE engineering and technology community. SWENexters enjoy numerous opportunities throughout the year to learn, network, and connect with peers, role models, and industry professionals. Plus, this diverse, welcoming, pre-college STEM community provides a safe place where kids can feel seen, heard, and validated. SWENext is open to all genders.
