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Shannon Bumgarner
Sr. Manager Indirect Purchasing and Tactical Buyer
Trane Technologies
And - Founder of FemSpired
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Only through exciting exploration will you find your true passions.
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am an integrated supply chain leader who is inspiring change within organizations and with women in technical careers. I strengthen supply chain processes and systems within multi-national manufacturing companies – guiding change management, creating roadmaps, establishing shared long-term vision, strategy and implementation plans, and bringing people along so that everyone feels good about outcomes and contributions.
I specialize in process engineering and change management in workflows, platforms and operating systems for quality management, direct/indirect procurement, and product engineering and manufacturing.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
My education and career opportunities were made possible by two wonderful parents who spent their careers in manufacturing. With both blue-collar and white-collar roles, I experienced first hand how manufacturing supported our family as well as its multiplier effect in the community. These experiences shaped my belief that manufacturing is a primary foundation on which the United States was built.
In high school I discovered my love for both math and chemistry. I was enthralled by the ability to solve problems using an innovative combination of creativity and technical acumen. This discovery led me to wonder what career could honor the learnings from my parents and provide a fulfilling career path... engineering seemed the perfect fit! I chose Chemical Engineering and, while definitely challenging, this path played to my strengths as well as opened doors to many diverse opportunities.
HOW DO/DID YOU TACKLE OBSTACLES?
One of the most valuable lessons my mom taught me was resilency. She always gave me a short time to walk the tough road of disappointment and then lifted me up to find the dawn of a new day. While I did not realize it at the time, this skill has proven to be one of the absolute keys to my success. I tackle the obstacle by allowing myself time to feel the moment, its frustration and sadness. Then I put that feeling behind me to determine what I have learned, what could be next, and how I have benefitted from this opportunity to grow.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I wish I would have known that being a woman and a respected STEM professional is not mutually exclusive. I was often teased for being the “smart one” or for having interests that were considered less desirable for women. Socially, people were confused that I could pursue activities considered more traditionally feminine and still be technically competent in math, science, and engineering.
I wish I would have known that you should embrace all sides of your authentic self. Here you will find true personal happiness and professional success.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love that careers in STEM are critical to solving the world's biggest challenges. Engineers are critical to inventing new renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing food waste I love, that in my current role, I am continually encouraged to challege possible
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
My advice would be to deliberately experiment with diverse subjects, interests, and hobbies. Through this process you will inevitably experience success and challenges; moments of complete uncomfortableness. When you have these moments - you know you are in the right place! Only through this exciting exploration will you find your true passions and gifts.
INSPIRATION
"Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination." - Mae C. Jemison