In celebration of the 12th year of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), we had the opportunity to speak with Nadine Wong, Director of Track Testing Services at DRI. With over a decade of experience in the automotive engineering industry, she shares her journey, insights, and perspectives on leadership, collaboration and being a woman in engineering.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to DRI?
I’ve always loved math, science, puzzles and taking things parts – though I don’t always put them back together! A high school teacher suggested engineering as a career path, and it just clicked for me. After interning at both large and small companies during college, I discovered that I preferred the dynamics of smaller teams, where you really get to know your coworkers. I was also certain that I wanted to work in the automotive industry, and DRI offered the perfect balance! Over the past 13 years, I’ve transitioned from track testing to designing the GST™, delving in hardware and software development, and eventually stepping into a leadership role.
What does your role as Director of Track Testing services entail?
I oversee track operations and managing testing resources while leading a team of technicians and test engineers. In addition to daily testing activities, I also manage customer relations, which includes technical support and sales. A significant aspect of my role involves helping the team overcome technical obstacles and ensuring we stay up to date with industry protocols, so we continue delivering the best possible testing services.
What aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling?
The variety. Every day is different. For instance, one day I might be troubleshooting a technical issue, while the next day I could be focused on budgeting or project planning. The constant change keeps things exciting.
The theme for INWED this year is "Together We Engineer". What does that mean to you?
To me, it's about collaboration and recognizing individual strengths. No one knows everything about engineering – some people are experts in hardware or sensors, while others may specialize in software. When we bring those strengths together, we get the best outcomes and build a stronger, more effective team.
How has DRI helped shape your journey, and how do you support others in the field?
I’ve been lucky - DRI has a culture that values competence and collaboration, so I’ve never felt treated differently because I’m a woman. The emphasis has always been on contributions, and that support has helped me grow as an engineer and leader.
Since DRI is a small company, I’ve had the chance to really get to know my colleagues and many of them have shaped my career, helping me get to where I am now.
That’s something I want to pass on, so I do regular one-on-one check-ins with my team. I want them to feel supported and be able to grow in the direction they want because connecting on a personal level and understanding their motivations makes a difference.
What advice would you give to young women considering engineering?
Just go for it. It might seem intimidating at first, especially in male-dominated fields like automotive engineering, but most engineers are collaborative and supportive, so you won’t be alone. Engineering isn’t just about creating products; it shapes the way you think. It’s a field fuelled by curiosity, creativity, and the drive to solve real-world problems. An engineering degree can lead to numerous opportunities, not only in technical roles but also in consulting, business, product management, and other related fields. It’s really about persistence and passion. If you're curious and love figuring out how things work, don’t hesitate to explore engineering; it might be where you thrive.
Fun fact about Nadine!
I love staying active - rock climbing, tennis, running, and hiking. I also love cooking. It’s my way of relaxing. I have prepared everything from scratch, including pasta, char siu bao, and stir-fries. Cooking is creative and satisfying, especially when you get to eat something delicious at the end.
About INWED
Celebrated each year on June 23rd, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is a global campaign led by the Women’s Engineering Society. It shines a spotlight on the achievements of women in engineering and advocates for greater gender balance across STEM industries.
Celebrating INWED
At DRI, we know innovation thrives when diverse minds come together. This #INWED, we celebrate leaders like Nadine Wong, who exemplify teamwork, growth, and a shared purpose in engineering.
Interested in learning more about the work of Nadine and her team? Explore our track testing services.
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