My interest in the natural world as a young child and developing a constantly growing interest in astronomy through my adult years led me to where I am today. Being able to work at Jenoptik shortly after graduating high school and while working my way through college, exposed me to the ubiquitous influence optics has on the entire world and outer space.

My parents immigrated from Central America and the Caribbean to offer me a life that, for many generations of my family, was never thought to be possible. They have pushed me to work harder than I thought possible while encouraging me to prioritize my interests along the way.

I work at the interface of the production floor and engineering to qualify optical systems before the end user can apply them. I work on most optical systems that flow through the building while working alongside great teammates.

One of my most significant accomplishments was finishing my undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and immediately being promoted to an engineering position at Jenoptik. I am approaching the last semester of my master’s program in the fall, and I believe that will be my next “greatest accomplishment.”

The biggest obstacle I have faced (and currently am still facing) lies in the time constraints that come with being a full-time worker, part-time student, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and everything else, while also finding time to get adequate sleep. I overcome this by staying mentally flexible and planning for life’s expected and unexpected elements. For the most part, it works out, but it is a balancing act that is possible for me because of the healthy work-life balance at Jenoptik and the support of my family.

For young girls or women considering a career in STEM, I would advise you to take every single one of your failures as a sign that you are on the path to success. Hard work will outperform “natural ability” in most situations.

I hope to have an impact by expanding the path to success and by changing the perception of what the expected mold of optics students is supposed to be.

I want my legacy to encompass treating everyone with respect and inclusivity while encouraging those around me to express their intrinsic curiosity.

Gabriela Olivo
System Test Engineer, Jenoptik
Born in United States / Resides in United States
Educational Background: BS, Florida International University, United States; MS, University of Central Florida College of Optics and Photonics (UCF CREOL), Florida