Women in Engineering: Betty Baker, Ashley Furniture, and the Power of Saying “Yes”
For four decades, Betty Baker has been crafting and perfecting bedroom furniture at Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. She began working at Ashley Furniture right after high school. “I graduated with my diploma in hand, and Ashley Furniture was just ten miles away,” she recalls. With the company offering positions, she saw an opportunity to start working while evaluating the next steps in her career. Initially, she worked as a catcher on an edge bander machine in the factory. Her strong passion for learning drove her to take advantage of Ashley’s tuition reimbursement program to further her education.
Betty juggled her job and studies by working days and attending classes at night. When night classes ran out, she switched her schedule to work nights and attend school during the day. This perseverance paid off, and she earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering, which led her to the engineering department, where her passion for understanding how furniture pieces come together found a perfect fit.
Embracing Learning
Betty’s impressive career advancement at Ashley Furniture, as the only female product engineer in her department, demonstrates her dedication to continual learning and personal development. She has also seen significant shifts in technology. “When I started in the Engineering department, we used 2D design and transitioned to SOLIDWORKS in the late ’90s,” she explains.
Betty works in domestic case goods, managing bedroom furniture that is locally made in Wisconsin. Each new model goes through rigorous stages from initial concept to production. Her job includes everything from engineering work, mockups, creating bills of materials (BOMs), and constant collaboration with factory workers to ensure everything runs smoothly. This firsthand involvement from start to finish is something Betty relishes, seeing each project through. It’s always a thrill for her to see the bedroom furniture she has put so much work into in a customer’s home.
Highlights and Mentorships
Betty has received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2021, she was nominated by Ashley Furniture for the prestigious STEP Ahead Award, recognizing her contributions to manufacturing. She was one of the one hundred women in the United States to win this award. Another highlight was winning the Gold Award at Ashley Furniture in 2017, a special recognition from her peers and the company.
Betty is an enthusiastic member of the SOLIDWORKS User Group Network (SWUGN). The SWUGN has a rich history of empowering SOLIDWORKS users to collaborate, learn, and teach. Recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the network has been a SWUGN tradition. In 2019, Betty was honored with the Michelle Pillers Community Award, which is presented to a member of the user group community who embodies the spirit of the SWUGN community.
Betty has especially enjoyed projects where she has been involved in every aspect of design and production. One of her favorite projects was a youth bedroom furniture line, which took her to Vietnam to oversee production. Seeing the parts come to life on the production line and being a part of the team creating something that will be in people’s homes has been a rewarding part of Betty’s job.
Betty’s work with the FIRST Robotics team, Trempealeau County Robotics #7021, has been another source of immense pride. “Helping to start the team, being a coach and mentor since 2018, and watching the students grow has been incredibly fulfilling,” Betty says. Her team has earned impressive rankings, including earning the number-one ranking in Wisconsin and finishing in the top one hundred worldwide.
Mentorship and Advocacy for STEM
Betty’s impact extends beyond her immediate work at Ashley. She advocates for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, especially for young girls. Through her involvement in various STEM activities and summer camps, she has inspired students to explore careers in engineering and manufacturing. “I didn’t have female role models in engineering when I was starting, so I strive to be that for others,” she says.
One of her notable initiatives is the “Girls Can Do It” summer school project, where she and her team at Ashley designed a day of activities to show young girls that engineering and design are within their reach. From creating bracelets on an assembly line to teaching the principles of design and quality inspection, Betty has opened a world of possibilities for these students.
The Power of Saying “Yes”
A key philosophy that has guided Betty throughout her career is the power of saying “yes.” This mindset has led her to numerous opportunities and experiences that have enriched her personally and professionally. “I’ve gotten into many situations because I’ve said yes, even when uncomfortable,” Betty admits. “Teaching a class at the local tech school, traveling overseas, and coaching the FIRST Robotics team were all results of saying yes, and they turned out to be amazing experiences.”
Her willingness to embrace new challenges is a lesson she passes on to others. “Always keep an open mind and explore. Say yes to opportunities, even if they push you out of your comfort zone,” she advises. Betty’s story is a powerful example of how embracing new opportunities can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic career and positively impact the lives of future engineers.
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