Marilyn Bane: From Stage to STEM 

Marilyn's path to becoming a Production Supervisor at TE Connectivity is a testament to the power of embracing change and seizing unexpected opportunities. With a background in acting and singing, Marilyn made an unconventional leap into STEM six years ago—an industry she knew nothing about at the time. “It was a huge leap for me,” she recalls. “I was stepping into the unknown, but I quickly realised that STEM offered endless opportunities for growth.” 

Her story is a powerful reminder that the road to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math's) doesn’t always follow a traditional trajectory. “The skills you develop in other industries, like creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability, are incredibly valuable in STEM,” she explains. Marilyn's transition reflects the immense value that diverse backgrounds bring to the industry, and it serves as a beacon for anyone thinking of pursuing a career or career shift in STEM. Today, she is leading a team and actively pursuing a degree in business management, proving that learning never stops. 

Like many of women we speak with in leadership, Marilyn experienced imposter syndrome. "It’s natural to doubt yourself, but when you face those moments, you need to remind yourself of what you’ve achieved and how capable you are,” she shares. Her journey proves that belief in yourself, combined with the willingness to learn and grow, can help you break through any barrier. 

Deirdre Hardiman: Engineering a Path to Leadership 

Deirdre’s journey began with an innate fascination for solving puzzles and visualising 3D shapes, a passion that led her to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. “When making career choices in school, many options were suggested, including studying Arts, but I knew where my strengths lay. I followed my passion for STEM because that’s where my skills truly flourished,” Deirdre says. 

As an R&D Product Development Engineering Manager, Deirdre embodies the importance of continuous learning. Her career trajectory was shaped by taking a chance on opportunities outside of her current comfort zone as they presented themselves within TE Connectivity. She firmly believes that being open to new learning experiences is key to both personal and professional growth. "Engineering is about curiosity, learning, and pushing boundaries—this is what has fueled my journey and TE Connectivity has always supported me in that." 

Deirdre's leadership extends beyond technical expertise; she is a champion for women in STEM, encouraging others to follow their passion regardless of societal expectations. Her story exemplifies how leadership can be built through perseverance, education, and the support of a workplace that truly believes in the value of diverse talent. 

Colleen Markland: Evolving from IT to PMO and Growing as a Leader 

Colleen’s passion for technology was sparked early on by her father, who worked in IT and was always building and tinkering with computers at home. “There was always a computer in our house. It was part of my everyday life,” she recalls, adding that this early exposure to technology naturally led her to pursue a degree in Information Technology. 

Her career in IT has spanned roles in lecturing, corporate training, and project management, each of which contributed to her growth as a leader. As PMO Leader EMEA at TE Connectivity, Colleen navigates a fast-paced environment by embracing flexibility and adaptability. “Every day brings something new, and the ability to adapt is crucial in a leadership role,” she says. 

But Colleen’s leadership style goes beyond technical expertise. She emphasises the importance of empathy and understanding. “Being a mom has taught me invaluable lessons in time management and empathy,” she shares. “It’s made me a more effective leader because I can understand and relate to the challenges my team members face, whether in their personal or professional lives.” 

TE Connectivity's Commitment to ED&I 

The stories of Marilyn, Deirdre, and Colleen are set against the backdrop of TE Connectivity’s strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through groundbreaking initiatives and programs, TE Connectivity is shaping a workplace where diversity isn’t just accepted, it’s celebrated. 

Encouragement and Awareness 

Marilyn, Deirdre, and Colleen’s stories serve as powerful reminder that women can lead and innovate, regardless of the starting point. Their experiences speak to the importance of pursuing one's passion, embracing challenges, and continuously learning, even when the path is unclear. 

For young women considering STEM careers, our TE Connectivity leaders offer this advice: 

A Future Shaped by Inclusion 

As we continue to champion the message that #GreatnessHasNoGender, stories like those of Marilyn, Deirdre, and Colleen highlight the immense potential of women in STEM. These leaders are not just paving the way for future generations; they’re shaping the very fabric of the industry itself. 

Thank you to our sponsors Fenero, a multi-award-winning company that specialises in the financial success for contractors, freelancers and solopreneurs. 

Want to be part of this exciting journey?  Connect with HERO on LinkedIn, reach out at hello@hero.ie, or explore the latest job opportunities in STEM on our Permanent and Contracting Jobs pages.

Join us in creating a future where innovation knows no bounds and where greatness truly has no gender.