SWUGN Group Leader Spotlight – Christie Buresh
Since 1996, SOLIDWORKS User Groups have been a valuable resource for SOLIDWORKS users all over the world. The SWUGN Committee and DS SOLIDWORKS provide ample support, but the real stars are the SOLIDWORKS User Group Leaders. Every week or so we’ll spotlight one of our group leaders and the local user group chapter that they are responsible for leading.
Christie Buresh – North Texas SOLIDWORKS User Group
I can’t believe it’s been more than 16 years since I met Christie (nee Reed) at SOLIDWORKS World 1999 in Palm Springs. Christie’s life has changed a lot since then – marriage, a child, a couple of new jobs – but nothing has stopped her from being a big part of the SOLIDWORKS Community. Christie has always been a huge help to me, especially back in the days of the user run “All-Texas SOLIDWORKS User Conference” held in the early 00’s in Austin. Without her help (and an assist from Lila Theis), we could not have had such a successful couple of years. Christie’s a little shy, but her infectious smile and charming southern accent immediately put people at ease around her. I’m happy to call her my friend.
Here’s what she had to say about herself and the North Texas SOLIDWORKS User Group.
Are you the founder of the group?
No, the group was founded by Tom Cox in early 2006. I assumed leadership in April of that year and I’ve been leading it ever since – nine years now.
What was the best meeting you’ve had?
I think the best meeting would be when we held it at the Makerspace of Dallas. It was a great location that allowed us to make connections with other engineers in the area that partnered well with our group.
What was the worst meeting you’ve had?
The worst meeting was when we tried to have it at a new location that was not set up for having private meetings. It was a bit noisy.
Note – I was at that meeting, held in a pizza joint. We also had issues with a screen, and ended up using a sheet tacked to a wall – RD.
What have you learned personally from your User Group?
No matter the how long you have been using SOLIDWORKS there is always something you don’t know so you should never stop learning.
How many users are in the group?
Our meetings usually run an average attendance of 20-30 regular users and vars.
Why should people attend a SOLIDWORKS User Group meeting?
Networking is vital to your career and the training is free. These two things are important to your career.
What has your experience been like working in a predominately male industry?
I honestly enjoy working with men. There is less drama. We all like to have fun but all work really hard.
Why do you think it is important for women to be encouraged to be engineers?
When I first started out in the industry, I was definitely a minority but over time I have seen more women showing up at SOLIDWORKS at work and our user group meetings. Roles are not as gender defined as they once were. We no longer have to fall into teacher or nursing professions. Women are just as capable of succeeding in this industry as any other.
Do you have any advice for young women thinking about starting their career in Engineering?
Engineering isn’t all about wiring diagrams and gears. There is a creative side to engineering and I think that’s why I was drawn to it. You have to be able to create a product that not only meets the end-users needs but is equally aesthetically pleasing to the customer. I think women naturally have more of a creative flair.
Thanks Christie, and thanks for everything you’ve done for the SOLIDWORKS Community.
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