In the pages of industrial history, few names are synonymous with innovation and progress as Westinghouse. Yet behind the towering achievements of this iconic company lie stories of remarkable women who helped shape its legacy, from the late 19th century to the present day.
One such pioneer was Bertha Lamme, whose journey began in 1893 when she became the first woman to graduate from Ohio State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bertha's groundbreaking work at Westinghouse laid the foundation for modern power generation technologies. Her expertise in designing generators and motors propelled the industrial revolution forward and shattered gender barriers in the male-dominated engineering field.
Fast forward to the tumultuous era of World War II, where another heroine emerged: Rosie. Inspired by the iconic "Rosie the Riveter," countless women stepped into roles traditionally held by men, including vital positions at Westinghouse. These women, often referred to as "Rosies," played a crucial part in the company's wartime efforts, contributing to the production of essential technologies like radar systems and vacuum tubes.
Their legacies serve as a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment of women in the workforce, both past and present. Westinghouse continues to build upon this rich heritage today, with a new generation of successors carrying the torch forward.
Enter the inspiring women of present-day Westinghouse. From engineers and technicians to leaders and innovators, these individuals embody the spirit of their predecessors, driving forward the company's mission of excellence and sustainability.
Women like Brittany Lapidus, Partnership Lead, embody the same determination and leadership that defined their predecessors. Brittany's strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have propelled Westinghouse into new frontiers, ensuring its continued success in an ever-evolving industry.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Brittany to gain insights into her journey at Westinghouse:
Interviewer: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career at Westinghouse so far?
Brittany: As someone who is passionate about brand building, I have been so thrilled to be a part of the Westinghouse team. Westinghouse is a company with a storied history and in my position, I have the unique opportunity to help continue to build the story of this iconic brand through our partnerships. It has been really rewarding to be a part of launching new products and partnerships to continue to build the Westinghouse brand and provide world-class products to the market. I love thinking about all the amazing innovation throughout Westinghouse’s history and that we can continue this into the future.
Interviewer: How do you envision Westinghouse continuing to empower women in the industry?
Brittany: Westinghouse has a history of empowering women throughout its history. Rosie the Riveter is an amazing example of this. I am lucky to work with talented women in various roles both within Westinghouse and with our partners. Westinghouse can continue to empower women by seeking to work with women-owned businesses and building additional networks for connecting women across fields.
As we celebrate the achievements of countless women who have left an indelible mark on Westinghouse's history, we also look toward the future with optimism and determination. The legacy of these remarkable women serves as a guiding light, inspiring generations to reach new heights and redefine what's possible in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
A single moment in time can ignite a passion that burns for decades. In 1969, the world witnessed humanity's giant leap as a camera developed by Westinghouse engineers captured our first steps on the moon. Today, as we reflect on our storied past and the pioneering women who shaped it, Westinghouse remains steadfast in its mission to empower meaningful lives. We continue to deliver sustainable energy solutions and dependable appliances, lighting, and electronics for every home, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Find out more at https://westinghouse.com/
