Emerson is proud to announce that Kathrin Rüschenschmidt who holds a doctorate in physics and serves as director of engineering for machine automation at Emerson, has won the 2021 Engineer Powerwoman Award from Deutsche Messe AG. Rüschenschmidt received the award during the opening of the WomenPower Career Congress at HANNOVER MESSE Digital Edition.
(From left to right: Dr. Kristina Wagner, Dr. Kathrin Rüschenschmidt, Angela Josephs and Snjezana Boger.)
The award recognizes a female pioneer in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field who promotes technical innovation as well as diversity and inclusion in her company. She does this through her commitment, ideas and work and serves as an inspiration for others. Dorothea Bär, minister of state for digitalization in the German Chancellery, and Angela Josephs, vice chair of the WomenPower Congress Advisory Board and director of corporate communications at Phoenix Contact, presented the award.
Rüschenschmidt has been responsible for project portfolio management for new product developments at Emerson and coordinating project leaders worldwide since 2019. As a leader in the company, Rüschenschmidt places a strong emphasis on inclusive team building and coaches Emerson executives on diversity and inclusion. In 2020, she founded the Women in STEM Chapter Laatzen, which she continues to lead. She also serves as the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) regional representative in Emerson’s global diversity and inclusion committee and is a member of the company´s LGBTQ+ allies´ chapter.
"I am very happy about the Engineer Powerwoman Award, and I feel honored," Rüschenschmidt said. "For success, you need curiosity, courage, passion and cooperation, and, just as I am accompanied by many great people, it is fantastic to walk the path together for and with other diverse and wonderful people to achieve joint success."
Emerson is dedicated to championing women in STEM careers and recognizing talented leaders like Rüschenschmidt who drive innovation in their field while advocating for, educating and mentoring others. A testament to its commitment, Emerson´s global Women in STEM program has grown to more than 5,000 members, with chapters on five continents. Through initiatives that empower its members, the program offers advocacy and sponsorship, as well as opportunities for professional development, community building and more. The program and its members also perform youth and university outreach, sharing STEM events with students and supporting women in STEM education.
"We´re tremendously proud of Dr. Rüschenschmidt, her achievements and everything she does to inspire others," said Lauren Baker, chair of Emerson´s Women in STEM. "She is a key member of Women in STEM, leading our chapter in Laatzen. She is paving the way for other women in science and in the corporate world." Rüschenschmidt is the ninth inspiring woman to be recognized with an Engineer Powerwoman Award. She was selected from three finalists chosen by an independent jury consisting of WomenPower Congress Advisory Board members. Finalists are chosen from an open call for nominees from companies and institutions around the world. Each organization can nominate one person.
