Growing Interpersonal Skills through Inclusion Groups

Michelle Lieberg, PMP, joined Ingersoll Rand after graduating from the University at Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 2005.

 

Michelle is co-chair of the Women’s Inclusion Group (WING) at Ingersoll Rand and is passionate about mentoring and networking, along with giving back to the community as a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).

 

Setting personal development goals

 

A few years ago, Michelle made a goal to expand her interpersonal and leadership skills outside of her role by facing her fear of public speaking.

 

“At the time, I had no idea how to reach this goal, as public speaking is not part of my day-to-day duties,” said Michelle. “I started looking for outlets where I could practice this skill.”

 

Expanding interpersonal skills through DE&I

 

As Michelle become more and more involved in WING, she was presented with the opportunity to speak as part of a panel at the Women in Manufacturing conference, and she accepted.

 

After this experience, Michelle continued to grow her public speaking skills while sharing her expertise in DE&I and the application of engineering in the industry by presenting at Ingersoll Rand town halls and attending a University at Buffalo Alumni event to talk about working as a woman in engineering and manufacturing.

 

Addressing 850 students and 10,000+ guests at the Buffalo School of Engineering commencement ceremony

 

Her participation in the alumni event inspired Michelle to join the UB School of Engineering board, which led to having the honor of addressing the 850 engineering and computer science undergraduates and approximately 10,000 guests at this year’s Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences commencement ceremony!

 

“The path to achievement looks different for everyone,” said Michelle. “There are a lot of ways to continue to grow and gain new skills, and one of those ways could be being more involved with DE&I at Ingersoll Rand.”

Learn more about diversity and inclusion at Ingersoll Rand here.