Women in Tech: Cynthia Rubio's proudest achievement
Cynthia Rubio, President Radiant RFID
Summarize your experience and what you do now. Please give a brief summary of your current role/business.
My formal education is in mechanical engineering and my experience is largely centered around product testing and development of test methods. I’m currently the President of Radiant RFID, and I also am responsible for the Operations at the company. Radiant RFID uses Radio Frequency Technology to provide complete solutions to corporations and government agencies in the areas of asset tracking, access control, emergency preparedness and evacuation management.
Do you think that being a statistical minority in the Tech world has given you that extra push that you needed to become a top performer in your field?
In some ways yes. I think that being a minority changes the way you perceive yourself and the way you think others perceive you. I felt for a long time that I needed to prove myself; but then again, I’m also competitive by nature. In the end I think it is up to the individual; each one of us can decide what we are willing to work for to achieve what we want.
How did you choose the technical field from all other possibilities that were presented to you?
I’ve always been interested in math, science, and how things work together. Interestingly enough I didn’t really know what I was going to study when I went to college until my father suggested Mechanical Engineering. The moment he said it everything made sense. I’ve since obtained my Bachelors and Masters In Mechanical Engineering. I’ve worked in the Aerospace, Petroleum, Automotive, and Software industries and I’ve enjoyed and learned from every experience.
Do you think that the tech field provides the opportunity for you to think more creatively or to innovate more freely than other fields?
Not necessarily. I think working in a field that you truly enjoy allows you to think creatively, challenge yourself, and contribute positively to the world around you whether or not you are in a technical field.
If you were asked to mentor a young woman interested in a tech career, how would you advise her?
I would advise her to stay focused on her goals and not be deterred if ‘the going gets tough’ here and there. Sometimes things are tough because they are hard work, at times they are tough because other people think you may not be able to do what you are wanting to achieve (Math is hard! Girls aren’t good in science!). More than anything I would be very excited for a young woman interested in a technical career. She will find life to be incredibly rewarding.
What are some of your proudest career achievements?
There are many achievements I am proud of; beginning with college graduation, various awards and recognitions, and the contributions I’ve made to the organizations I’ve been a part of. My proudest career achievement is yet to come.
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