Celebrating the next generation of female engineers

Pictured: Students pose for a photo at the Air Liquide La Porte SMR site.

A few months ago, Air Liquide had the privilege of hosting 30 bright and ambitious juniors and seniors from the Young Women's College Preparatory Academy for a special “Day at Air Liquide.” The event — more than a year and a half in the planning — was designed to shine a light on engineering careers and to show young women what’s possible when education, inspiration and opportunity meet.

After a warm welcome and introduction to the company, the students heard from a panel of Air Liquide engineers representing different disciplines and career stages. The in-house panelists shared their personal journeys — where they started, hurdles they overcame and how passion for problem-solving guided them. Their stories demonstrated that there isn’t one “right” path into engineering; there are many, each shaped by curiosity, hard work and perseverance.

Next, the students joined a dynamic session with the Air Liquide Talent Acquisition Team. Through hands-on role-play at a mock career fair, they practiced networking, interviewing and presenting themselves professionally — building confidence and sharpening skills that will benefit them no matter where their careers lead.

Lunch provided a different kind of power: connection. Several Air Liquide female employees volunteered their time to join the group, offering personal insight, answering candid questions and sharing what it’s like to juggle deadlines, innovation and work life balance. That face time reinforced the message: women belong here — and succeed here.

In the afternoon, the group toured Air Liquide’s leading-edge End-to-End Center and then visited the La Porte SMR site, seeing first-hand what an engineering career at Air Liquide really looks like. Adding a bit of levity to the afternoon, the girls finally got to wear the fire engine red hard hats and safety glasses they received in their swag bags!

It was a day packed with learning, inspiration and connection opportunities. It reminded the students that if you can see it, you can be it.

Why does this matter? 

While women have made gains in many fields, engineering remains one of the most male-dominated. In the United States, women still represent only about 15% of the engineering workforce.

But events like this one — bringing real engineers face to face with high-school students — help chip away at that gap. They build visibility, representation and encouragement. It’s a dynamic, collaborative field open to anyone who’s curious, driven and ready to learn.

The “Day at Air Liquide” proved just that, planting seeds that will grow into the next generation of engineers.

Students role play with our Talent Acquisition team in a mock career fair setting.