API Summit: Women in Mechanical Integrity Discuss Challenges and Opportunities

At the API Inspection & Mechanical Integrity Summit, industry leaders Leslie A. Ward, Ana Benz, and LeeAnn Escobar discussed the state of women in their field. While progress has been made, participation remains low. They emphasize the importance of mentorship, networking, and highlighting female accomplishments to change the culture and attract more women. They explore flexible work opportunities like data analysis and the potential of new technologies to level the playing field. Looking ahead, they express excitement for the 10th Summit in 2026 and their goal of reaching 2,500 attendees. This interview offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in closing the gender gap in mechanical integrity.
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An inspiring conversation took place at the API Inspection & Mechanical Integrity Summit, featuring industry leaders: Leslie A. Ward, Facilities Integrity Engineer – Special Projects & Initiatives at Enbridge; Ana Benz; Chief Engineer at IRISNDT; and LeeAnn Escobar, Senior Materials and Corrosion Engineer at Shell. The central theme: the role of women in mechanical integrity and the steps needed to achieve equality in this field.

The panelists agreed that while progress has been made in recent years, female participation in the industry remains low. In this regard, they emphasized the importance of mentorship, networking, and promoting women’s achievements to change the culture and attract more women to this sector.

Women in Mechanical Integrity: Flexible work arrangements

The panelists also explored the opportunities offered by new technologies and flexible work arrangements, such as data analysis, to level the playing field and facilitate women’s participation. Looking to the future, the participants expressed their enthusiasm for the 10th Summit to be held in 2026 and their goal of reaching 2,500 attendees, consolidating this event as a space for meeting and exchanging ideas to promote equality in the industry.

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An inspiring conversation took place at the API Inspection & Mechanical Integrity Summit, featuring industry leaders: Leslie A. Ward, Facilities Integrity Engineer – Special Projects & Initiatives at Enbridge; Ana Benz; Chief Engineer at IRISNDT; and LeeAnn Escobar, Senior Materials and Corrosion Engineer at Shell.

Key points of the interview:

  • Analysis of the current state of women in mechanical integrity.
  • Importance of mentorship, networking, and visibility for women.
  • Opportunities in areas such as data analysis and flexible work.
  • Vision for the future of women’s participation in the industry.

For more content related to the conference visit inspenet.com/en/inspenet-tv/ and our Youtube channel.

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