Nicaraguan women are capable of this and much more despite humble upbringing.
Sheila Morales did not become a Boeing engineer to be praised as the first Nicaraguan woman to work for this company. She became a Boeing engineer to showcase her knowledge as a woman, fulfil her dream, and continue making positive changes in this professional area.
Sheila is my paternal cousin. She is the fifth sibling of six. My second sister and I lived together with five of our cousins for over two years. We all had responsibilities at home and with our studies. Sheila and Ariel were the youngest, so we, the oldest, were their tutors. I have sweet and vivid memories of those days we all shared under one roof. We laughed, learned, shared, cried, fought, and loved one another.
Moreover, I remember that Sheila was very passionate about learning new skills and being straightforward about achieving her goals. Another fact that I remember is that she was very observant and then formulated her questions about what interested her.
After high school, Sheila had the opportunity to move to the United States of America, where she pursued her bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics. It was always her dream to work for a big company, which she gradually achieved over the years.
I am very proud of her path and the powerful woman she has become. I think she is not only an example for my family but also a role model for other young women. I spoke to Sheila about who she is, how she feels about being a woman working in a challenging position, and what she recommends. Here is her story!
Sheila Morales
Who is Sheila? What are your hobbies?
Sheila is a busy highly motivated individual, with a full-time job, studies, and a business. I am always up to something. My hobbies are stargazing, walking my dogs, sleeping, and playing games.
What is your professional background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics with a minor in mathematics, and multiple engineering professional, and leadership certificates. I also studying more.
You have worked for Boeing for over years, in November 2022 you started working on a new project in the representation of Boeing. How has the experience been?
I work in Boeing Defense & Space. NASA is one of our clients. They contract us to oversee various projects including the international space station and the space launch system which is taking astronauts back to the moon next year (the Artemis Mission). The experience has been very rewarding, but I still have much to do. Big learning curve.
How does being the first Nicaragua woman to work for a high-level state institution feel?
I am not sure if I’m the first but it is a lot of responsibility. I want to make sure I put Nicaragua’s name in the best light, demonstrating a good representation, and showing the world that Nicaraguan women are capable of this and much more despite humble upbringing.
What is your position at Boeing? What are some of your duties? I am a mechanical and structural engineering manager. We do structural and stress engineering for some of NASA programmes.
What do you enjoy the most at your job?
I get to work with the best minds in the industry, highly intellectual and talented individuals, and I do my best to lead by example and encourage them to reach higher.
What is your takeaway so far?
There is a lot of work to do and not enough time.
What would you recommend to girls and women who dream of these types of professional positions that are considered by society “for men”?
The only fuel you need to reach your dreams is prayer and have faith in yourself, you can and you will succeed. People/society’s opinions are just that, opinions. The only limitations are in your mind. Don’t let society dictate what you can or can’t do. Show society instead.
Do you see yourself like Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson or like Diana Trujillo? Black and Latin women who had archived this professional field and are role models today?
I look up to all those women who have paved the way for me to be here today. I have the utmost respect for them. I do not see myself as anything but me.
Would you like to add something else?
Do not waste time on social media, go out there and live instead of watching people live.
You can read more about Sheila’s career here.
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