Celebrating All Women and Girls In Science

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Pentair Communications
Pentair Communications

02/10/2023

Celebrating All Women and Girls In Science

Junior Achievement Upper Midwest Pentair Water Shop

International Day of Women and Girls in Science, February 11, was designated by the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly, as an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. This year’s theme centers on the roles of women and girls in science in advancing the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation.

At Pentair, we believe an inclusive and diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and new ideas that enable us to continually improve. From designing innovative and IoT connected solutions that help people move, improve and enjoy water, to working to help ensure our manufacturing sites are operating safely and efficiently, women engineers and scientists throughout Pentair contribute daily to our purpose to create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions.

We also work to encourage the empowerment of women and girls within the greater community. Through the Pentair Foundation, we support educational programming with a specific emphasis on STEM education as well as increasing access to educational opportunities for underserved communities in developing countries, especially for women and girls.

In recognition of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, several talented Pentair women shared their perspectives on their careers and advice to future female scientists. Read, and be inspired!


What Inspired you to pursue a career in science?

Jihan Jenkins Employee Headshot


“I loved and excelled in science and math as a kid. My mom was great at cultivating this interest and sent me to STEM summer camps specifically for girls. I remember building a webpage at a summer camp back when the internet was new and was so delighted by the experience! And, admittedly, I’m a competitive person and become motivated when odds are stacked against me – I grew tired of all the chatter about girls of color not fitting the 'typical engineer' profile so I dared to prove the naysayers wrong.”    

Jihan Jenkins, Segment Innovation Officer, Pentair Water Solutions

Amanda Hyder Employee at Lab


“I have always been a curious person and I was privileged enough to grow up in an environment that fostered that curiosity. My high school was one of the few in the area that had its own robotics club. It was there I discovered my interest in electrical systems and robotics. TV characters like Abby from NCIS, Sandy from SpongeBob, and Velma from Scooby-Doo normalized and made being a tech savvy woman look cool and appealing. In short, it wasn't one thing as much as it was the access to opportunities and role models that helped me fully realize my interests. “

Amanda Hyder, Electrical Engineer, Pentair Pool


What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect about your work at Pentair?


“Getting to work on problems that I know will directly result in better, cleaner water for people is very rewarding. Additionally, I get to utilize a range of scientific disciplines regularly – chemistry, biology, material science, data analysis, and engineering all regularly come into play. It really forces you to grow as a scientific ‘jack of all trades’.”

Sarah Farley, Scientist, Pentair Industrial & Flow Technologies

Sarah Farley Employee Headshot


“The most rewarding aspect about my job at Pentair is the growth and opportunity it has given me. I have learned so much from the team members around me that I continuously develop not only my technical knowledge but also my professional career as well. I learn something new every day!”

Kelsey Conley, Electrical Engineer, Pentair Water Solutions

Kelsey Conley Employee at Lab


“It is such a privilege to create a pipeline of technology that improves water, life’s most essential resource. Whether it’s thinking of ways to enhance filtration, reduce water waste, or improving access to clean water, Pentair’s commitment to protecting our planet, with the aid of technology, is a commitment I’m proud to be a part of.”

Jihan Jenkins, Segment Innovation Officer, Pentair Water Solutions


What advice would you offer to girls considering a career in science?

Jennifer McGrath Employee Headshot


“My advice for girls considering science as a career is to believe in themselves and keep pursuing their curiosity. Girls can start by talking to their science and math teachers and finding out what opportunities exist in their school or community to explore careers in STEM. They shouldn’t get discouraged, even if they try an experience and find they don’t enjoy it. It’s just as important to find what you don’t like as what you do, and that is still valuable learning. They can try something else as there are so many different facets of STEM careers to explore.”   

Jennifer McGrath, Group Technology Leader, Pentair Industrial & Flow Technologies


“Grow your network early and often. Look for mentors and peers in your field that you can make those strong connections with. It's important to have those around you who can support, advise, and advocate for you.”

Amanda Hyder, Electrical Engineer, Pentair Pool

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