Pratt & Whitney's Carolyn Begnoche Wins Women of Innovation Award

Carolyn Begnoche is a busy lady. When she isn't working as a senior design/drafter for Pratt & Whitney's Development Programs, she's volunteering at local schools to engage students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities and pursuing her bachelor's degree in manufacturing management. On April 6, The Connecticut Technology Council awarded Begnoche the Women of Innovation Award in the category of Community Innovation and Leadership for her community efforts.

Accepting her award at the Connecticut Technology Council's recognition event, Begnoche reflected on her long journey to accomplish her dreams.

"Girls didn't have the same opportunities as boys when I was younger," said Begnoche. "I was one of 12 girls out of 147 boys in my trade school senior class. Girls attending trade schools were a new concept and not widely accepted back then."

In 2002, Begnoche earned her associate's degree in mechanical engineering technology, and for the past three years has been using the Employee Scholar Program to earn her manufacturing management B.S. from Central Connecticut State University.

In her Women of Innovation Award acceptance speech, Begnoche referenced a well-meaning friend who encouraged her to devote more time to completing her degree. However, Begnoche refuses to cut back on her STEM outreach work in the community.

"I have a passion for helping young girls, and those girls need us now, not in three-to-four years," Begnoche said. "We have to keep momentum going, and inspire young women to pursue careers in the STEM fields."

Begnoche works with organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers, Project STEM, Women in Aviation and judges for FIRST Robotics and Connecticut Invention Convention.

Among the many events Begnoche has participated in, she cites the Girls in Aviation Day held at Pratt & Whitney's Hangar and Museum this past October as one of her favorites. Nearly 60 girls aged 9-13 attended educational lectures and participated in interactive, aviation-themed activities during the event.

"When these girls do hands-on activities and at the end of the day you tell them they've been doing engineering they are shocked and excited," Begnoche said. "These young girls are forward thinkers and will be our leaders of tomorrow."

Begnoche was among six Pratt & Whitney finalists nominated for Women of Innovation Awards.