The Women of Color (WOC) STEM Digital Twin Experience (DTX) Conference has been celebrating outstanding achievements in STEM for 28 years.

The conference aims to address the under-representation of women in these fields and their lack of senior positions across all disciplines.

This three-day event takes place annually in Detroit, Michigan. The theme for this year's conference is "Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity."

The Women of Color STEM DTX Conference is a platform for employers to share best practices and strategies to attract and retain more women in scientific and technical careers.

The conference offers a range of events designed to foster collaboration, education, and personal development. It also includes a prestigious awards ceremony that recognizes extraordinary women from diverse backgrounds.

A panel of WOC judges evaluates a dynamic pool of candidates each year. The pool includes outstanding college students, emerging talents, accomplished mid-career professionals and managers, influential C-suite executives, innovators, visionary inventors, and impactful change agents.

Rita L. Mas Ramirez is a manufacturing engineer at Boston Scientific Corporation. She won a Special Recognition Award at the 22nd annual Women of Color STEM Conference, which was held in Detroit October 2017.

WHY ENGINEERING: “My uncle was an industrial engineer and served as a role model. I was inspired by the opportunities for me to innovate, to be challenged, to work in partnerships, to create a positive impact in people, and bring my diverse background to the field.”

WHAT SHE DOES NOW: “I have responsibilities as a manufacturing engineer for the Cardiac Rhythm Management division in the Bradycardia and Tachycardia lead manufacturing.”

BEST ADVICE: “Do a co-op or internship in your field. It helps to create a sense of networking with employees that provide mentoring. It also enables confidence on projects that have exposure at all levels and to work with diverse teams. It exposes you to work situations and how you deal with them.”

MEMORABLE MILESTONES: “The 2014 Outstanding Contribution Award from Boston Scientific Dorado Young Professionals Network for a Leadership Model for a Cancer Awareness Campaign.

"This started as a fundraiser to help a co-worker whose child was battling a brain tumor.

"It coincided with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. It all started in my cubicle with gold ribbons, a nomination wall, and a fundraising goal of $2K for Boston Scientific Dorado employees.

"Around 56 employees donated money and shaved their heads, six donated hair to create free natural wigs for cancer patients, and more than $12K was raised.

"I was filled with emotion that a campaign that had started small exhibited the spirit of winning through our site and other sites, at all levels, demonstrating collaboration. We were honoring our co-worker’s family and united in compassion in support of children diagnosed with cancer every year.”