On June 23, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), a global recognition of the women shaping the future through innovation, technical expertise and ingenuity.
This year’s theme, Engineering Intelligence, highlights the problem-solving, leadership and technical insight women bring to engineering every day.
At Gentherm, that theme comes to life through engineers like Merna Aziz, a Test Engineer at our Technology Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan, whose journey, mindset and creativity reflect what this approach looks like in action.
To honor that impact, we’re spotlighting engineers whose perspectives capture the mindset behind meaningful innovation. Their stories remind us that transformation happens through collaboration, curiosity and the courage to keep learning.
From Intern to Engineer
Merna’s path at Gentherm reflects persistence and steady development. Starting as an intern in 2019, she transitioned into a co-op position and was hired as a Test Engineer later that same year.
Her early experience was shaped by the people around her, who played a key role in her development.
“Early on, I learned a lot from the people around me. My teammates and mentors were always willing to answer questions, share their experience and help me better understand the work.”
That support helped her build confidence, strengthen her skills and carry that same collaborative mindset into her own work.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Oakland University and a Master’s in Engineering Management, Merna brings both technical depth and strategic thinking to her work.
Engineering Intelligence in Action
Today, Merna is transitioning to the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) team, where she supports multiple projects and continues building her expertise. EMC focuses on ensuring electronic systems operate properly without interference, a critical aspect of modern technology.
Stepping into this space hasn’t been without challenges. Learning new testing methods, tools and specifications required her to quickly adapt, but she approached it with curiosity and structure:
- Reviewing technical specifications and reference reports
- Conducting independent research
- Partnering with subject matter experts
A Day in the Life
No two days look exactly the same for Merna. Her work involves a mix of testing, analysis, teamwork and problem-solving, requiring both focus and flexibility.
Whether she’s working in the lab, partnering with teammates or supporting multiple projects, she brings a thoughtful, adaptable approach to everything she does.
Creativity Beyond Engineering
Outside of work, Merna expresses her creativity in a completely different way through her balloon design and event styling business.
From detailed installations—like winning the Halloween desk decoration contest—to large event setups, her work reflects the same attention to detail and ingenuity she brings to engineering.
Engineering is defined not only by technical skill, but also by curiosity and innovative thinking.
Balance, Growth and Resilience
For Merna, maintaining balance comes down to organization and intention. She supports a healthy work-life balance through effective time management by:
- Staying organized
- Focusing on priorities
- Taking time away from work to recharge
She also recognizes the importance of workplace support: “Gentherm supports this by encouraging employees to take time off and maintain their well-being.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Merna was drawn to engineering through her passion for tackling challenges and bringing ideas to life. As she shares, she “enjoy[s] solving problems and turning ideas into practical solutions.”
She also finds inspiration in the broader community of women in engineering:
“I admire women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of engineers.”
Through her own journey, Merna is doing just that—demonstrating what’s possible and inspiring others to pursue careers in STEM.
Celebrating Engineering Intelligence
This International Women in Engineering Day, we celebrate Merna and all the women at Gentherm and beyond who bring knowledge, ingenuity, teamwork and resilience to their work every day. Their perspectives and expertise help drive progress and innovation across everything they do.
Through their impact, women like Merna are helping shape smarter, more innovative solutions for the future.
Join us in celebrating International Women in Engineering Day by recognizing the women driving innovation forward and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
