Today we introduce you to the super power @tamararaye. She is a mechanical engineer, motorcyclist and plays in a band. She could quite possibly be the smartest woman I have ever met.
1. What is your current occupation?
I am a Mechanical Engineer working in Quality Engineering for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. I am a licensed Professional Engineer in Machine Design and Materials in the state of California.
2. What are a few of the challenges you face as a woman working in the industry you are in?
As of 2017, only 7.9% of all Mechanical Engineers in the U.S. are women. As such, there are still significant challenges - particularly in that women are held to a higher standard in the field. Every day I try to listen more, learn more, dispel stereotypes, and push the boundaries of traditional gender roles.
3. What is your advice to those woman out there who are thinking about buying a motorcycle?
Take your time! Don't rush out there and buy the first bike you try; be patient, and find the right machine for you. The most important part about learning to ride is being comfortable on your motorcycle. Whether you land on a lil' 175cc around town bike or a 1200cc hog, riding is riding. Be safe, and have fun!
4. What are some of the principles and values you think are important to live by?
I try and keep it simple - tell the truth. With honesty comes trust, and with trust comes integrity.
5. What do you eat for breakfast and why?
A creature of habit, I eat a banana and yogurt every dang day. You may never know what will happen to you the rest of the day, but you can guarantee my breakfast is consistent.
6. What is one word that describes you?
[I know I said 'understanding' before... but on second thought]. I would say 'patient'. To a fault. Ha!
7. Tell me one Tamara fun fact....
I just found out that I technically qualify to apply for the NASA Astronaut program. Thinking about applying for the next round. Shoot for the stars, right?!
8. What does success mean to you and has it changed over the years?
I've learned that success is a relative term, and the criteria for success doesn't have to be a huge long-term goal. Set small, attainable goals, and milestones on the path to larger ones.
9. What is the best advise you have been given?
The best advice I have ever been given is to stop comparing myself to other people, and its important to remember that everyone's journey is different. Like Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy."
10. Who has had the biggest impact on your life and perspective?
I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by quite a few people that I find inspirational. But I have to say that my friend Karla, who passed away four years ago, had the largest single impact on my life of anyone that I know. She lived life freely, and without regret. I admired that a great deal.
11. You play in a band. Could you tell me a bit about that?
I am currently playing in a band called WarGirl with five extremely talented musicians. Its a really neat collaboration of sound that we can all lose ourselves in.
12. What is something I should do before I die?
Before any of us die, we should definitely not have any regrets. Do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.