The role of women in the industry such as technology and science has historically been limited, but that is rapidly changing. During the NISTM 2025 conference, the Inspenet team had the privilege of speaking with Kimberley Hayes, founder of Valkim Technologies, a company specializing in NDT technology. Throughout the interview, Kimberley highlighted the importance of the female presence in the industry and how women are bringing new perspectives that drive innovation.
Women in the industry: The diversity that drives innovation
Kimberley Hayes, who has over 30 years of experience in the field of non-destructive testing (NDT), explained how for years women were almost nonexistent in important conversations within the sector. However, the landscape is changing, as according to Kimberley, the presence of women has brought with it a diversity of perspectives and innovative approaches that are helping to transform processes that once seemed unshakeable.
The NDT sector, which has traditionally been perceived as a more tactile and muscular field of work, is now enriched with more dynamic and creative approaches. The female perspective, as Kimberley points out, introduces the possibility of thinking “outside the box” and seeking new forms of execution that were previously unconsidered.
Female empowerment in the industry
One of the key points Kimberley highlighted was the creation of support networks among women in male-dominated industries. Collaboration has become a powerful tool. Through organizations like the one Kimberley mentioned, women can share their experiences and support each other in overcoming obstacles and fostering empowerment.
Kimberley was very enthusiastic about the idea of creating a space where women can not only learn from each other, but also take action and transform. Through her personal experience, Kimberley recounted how, over the past year, in collaboration with other professionals, they were able to implement concrete actions to promote professional growth for all.
Empowering new generations
For Kimberley, one of the most important aspects of fostering inclusion in the tech industry is starting at a young age. By bringing children from nearby communities to her company to help assemble robots, Kimberley is teaching about science and technology and demonstrating that women play a pivotal role in creating and implementing technological innovations. These types of activities will not only inspire future generations; they will help change the way we think about what girls can achieve.
The path to inclusion
Kimberley’s story is just one example of how female participation in the industry is evolving. As more women join the innovation movement, sectors that once seemed closed off are opening their doors to new approaches, technologies, and solutions. Furthermore, support networks not only serve to strengthen the role of women in the present, but also ensure that the future of the industry is more inclusive and collaborative.
It’s essential to continue supporting and promoting spaces where women can lead and demonstrate that they can not only be part of the industry, but also transform it.
For more NISTM 2025 content, visit our YouTube channel and LinkedIn profile.
Source: Inspenet.
