- Global Technical Leader at Boeing India, Seema is a known innovator for making systems more efficient by applying best of Human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and defines success as bringing the human-centric AI technology to benefit manufacturing industries
- A dedicated supporter of STEM for women and strives to prove a level-playing field for women who want to join manufacturing
- Always believed in sincerely serving at her organizations and simultaneously prioritize her personal space
“If you believe in something you will surely achieve it”, Seema Chopra, a young girl who once harboured the vision of becoming an engineer and now the Global Technical Leader at Boeing India, proudly adheres to this philosophy. An alumni at IIT Roorkee where Seema obtained PhD in Control Engineering, Seema’s academic excellence today vouches for her childhood passion of becoming an engineer. She has come a long way from defying challenges as a child to inspiring other women who want to pursue manufacturing.
Learning and yearning for knowledge should never stop
Seema recalls that her father has always been a great support and coaxed her to do a PhD. Far from being a cake walk, the hurdles in her path had always thrown Seema off guard. Seema was married shortly after she enrolled in PhD, and has bravely set about on a journey of managing the household and working on her doctorate. Seema could rely on her husband and, therefore, doggedly continue with her research.
In 2000, Seema became an ardent enthusiast about Artificial Intelligence and wanted to apply the theoretical research in practice. Seema never stopped learning and evolving even after marriage and her doctorate. She says that the field of manufacturing and technology is developing. It is constantly in a flux. “One can be old by age, not by technology”, Seema believes that learning never gets outdated and it is a continuous process.
Essential to sensitize leaders for work life balance
Seema had always prioritized putting her conditions before joining the organizations she has worked for. So, how did Seema work it out? Being an excellent performer, Seema never held back from putting her best efforts in the organizations. ”If we expect support, we need to deliver 200%.” After GE, her journey began in Boeing India. “Initially it was a bit difficult for me in Boeing as my son was going to preschool, but the company adjusted for me and made my hours flexible.” She became Boeing India’s first technical fellow. Seema’s expertise, technical guidance and solutions are valued across the globe.
Industry leaders should take initiative to obliterate Gender disparity
Seema has no qualms in admitting that gender disparity has always been a concern since her college days till now. In Boeing, nonetheless, the mission is to achieve 30% women workforce & more. Seema observes, “The number of women dramatically diminishes from the junior to the senior level, and this is alarming.” Seema adds” Engineering is a vast area and there can be different kind of jobs not just about shop floor job responsibilities , and if one performs well, they will certainly climb the glorious heights of success.”
Association with Society for Women Engineers (SWE) Seema’s association with SWE dates seven years back and ever since she has received immense support from the society as a working woman. The society is abundantly committed to diversity. Seema has always been a staunch supporter of STEM for woman. “It is important for women to pursue stem. SWE has been inspiring and empowering women since its inception.” Seema has been organizing local conferences with SWE and providing an accessible platform for women who want to join manufacturing.
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