Women in 3D Printing, an organization with a mission to close the gender gap in additive manufacturing, is hosting an event focused on educating the 3D printing industry on the challenges facing Asian American and Pacific Ilander (AAPI) members. The Women in 3D Printing Against Asian Hate virtual event will be held on April 20, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm ET and prior registration is encouraged to guarantee a seat.

This event is focused on empowering, solutions-focused and all-female panel discussion around adversities faced by Asian individuals in today’s social climate. Even though the Asian community is not the only community to face racism, in light of the most recent events, we’ve decided, for the purpose of this panel, to honor this community by having a real and honest conversation with female Additive Manufacturing leaders from the Asian community. Some of the topics addressed in this panel will be relevant to other communities and all forms of racism as well.

“Women in 3D Printing is focused on closing the gender-gap in the 3D Printing industry. But as a global community, we also want to address diversity in its broader sense, which leads us to host and support this conversation today. By focusing on a solution, we can provide insight into what the Asian community has faced and work together for a better future,” says Nora Toure, founder of Women in 3D Printing.

Panelists include representatives from across the additive manufacturing industry.

Dr. Ellen Lee, Technical Leader of Additive Manufacturing for Research & Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company

Dr. Ellen Lee is the Technical Leader of Additive Manufacturing for Research & Advanced Engineering at Ford Motor Company, responsible for leading the technical development of advanced polymer additive manufacturing (AM) materials and technologies for functional use in the automotive sector. She established Ford’s dedicated AM research program in 2014 to enable its use to drive product innovation, enhance quality, and improve efficiency and flexibility in manufacturing. In her current role, Dr. Lee sets the strategic direction for AM and its integration across the enterprise through activities including training and education, standardization and qualification, and development of the AM technology roadmap.

Dr. Lee received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and her Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. She serves on the board of directors for SPE’s AM Technical Interest Group and as an advisor for SME’s AM Technical Community, in addition to active participation and advisory with organizations including America Makes, USCAR, and SWE.

 

Mina Lee, Manager of People and Culture, MakerBot

MakerBot was Mina’s first exposure to the additive manufacturing world and to 3d printing. She started off as the Talent Acquisition Lead and is now the Manager of People and Culture. In the last year, she started a DE&I Committee at MakerBot where employees come together with strategies to help foster an inclusive environment and give back to the community.

 

Eliana Fu, PhD, Industry Manager, Aerospace & Medical, TRUMPF

With a Masters degree and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Imperial College, University of London, one of her specialties is traditional manufacturing of titanium, having spent 8 years as R & D Services Engineer at Titanium Metals (TIMET). She also had work experience at Firth Rixson and TWI Ltd (UK). She has spent the last few years working in space flight industry at SpaceX and more recently with Relativity Space. Here, as Senior Engineer: Additive Technologies, she immersed herself fully into 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing. Eliana’s specialties include: Traditional Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, Supplier Quality and Raw Material Specifications.

She is currently the ASTM F42 Additive Manufacturing, sub-committee “Spaceflight” F42.07.02 and has participated as an advisor on Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti’s committee on Advanced Manufacturing. She is also co-ambassador for the Los Angeles chapter of Women in 3D Printing, a STEM volunteer for USC Viterbi School’s K12 STEM program and regularly participates in other educational STEM outreach programs.

She also completed MITxPro certificates in Additive Manufacturing for Innovative Design and Production (2019) and Leadership Principles for Scientists, Engineers and Researchers (2020).

 

Christina Perla, Founder and CEO, Makelab

Christina is the Cofounder & CEO of Makelab, delivering 3D printing solutions to teams, on a mission to empower creation, and democratize 3D printing. By streamlining the innovation process for businesses, we make 3D as simple as 2D. Christina and her Cofounder, Manny, both have extensive industrial design backgrounds and were top customers of a 3D printing service in the past. Christina is also on the Board of Directors for the global nonprofit, Women in 3D Printing, where she works with other Board Members to foster a diverse industry and expand the global reach of the organization through a supportive and connected network.

 

Moderator is SJ Jones, Application Development Engineer, Siemens Energy

SJ currently works as an Application Development Engineer at Siemens Energy in Orlando, Florida and is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Systems Engineering at the University of Central Florida. She has been working with engineering teams on making metal additive parts for the energy industry stating “I love the smell of aluminum when I walk onto the shop floor every morning. My favorite parts to print are demo parts because I’m all about pushing the limits of additive design.” SJ is also an ambassador for the Oceania chapter of Women in 3D Printing where she has been serving for 2 years.