In this episode, I talk with Charlene Gaither, learning project manager and scrum master at Duke Energy Corporation. We explore how e-learning breaks down barriers, offers flexible learning solutions, and builds a supportive community for women pursuing engineering careers.
Engineering Quotes:



Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Charlene:

What led you to focus on instructional design and e-learning, and how do you think these tools can help women succeed in engineering?
Can you tell us how your training programs are designed to support and benefit women in engineering?
As a scrum master, how do you create an inclusive environment that encourages women to take on leadership roles?
What new learning technologies do you think have the most potential to help women in engineering grow their careers and skills?
How has your involvement with the Association for Talent and Development helped you support women’s learning and performance in engineering?
What final piece of advice would you give to women in engineering who want to improve their skills or move into leadership roles?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Use E-Learning to Empower Women in Engineering:


Creative problem-solving and instructional design play a crucial role in helping women adapt to new challenges and technologies in engineering. These tools allow teams to develop flexible training solutions, ensuring that women in the field are equipped to meet industry standards and navigate changes successfully.
Training programs that integrate agile methodologies with instructional design help women in engineering develop essential skills while remaining adaptable. These programs ensure that women gain the knowledge needed to excel in their roles, promoting long-term growth and opportunities for career advancement.
In male-dominated fields, women may face challenges like being overlooked, but staying proactive, seeking opportunities to collaborate, and continuous learning can make a significant difference. Creating a space where women can demonstrate their skills helps ensure they are valued and encouraged to take on leadership roles.
Flexibility and adaptability are key when integrating new learning technologies into engineering. Tools like AI-driven platforms offer opportunities for continuous learning, helping women in engineering to stay ahead of technological advances and enhance their career growth.
The Association for Talent and Development highlights the importance of professional communities in shaping careers. By being part of these networks, women in engineering gain valuable support, leadership opportunities, and guidance that strengthen their learning and performance.
Women in engineering already have the skills needed to succeed, but the key is recognizing and focusing on those strengths. By aligning their abilities with meaningful opportunities, women can confidently drive their careers forward and step into leadership roles.

More Details in This Episode…
About Charlene Gaither
Charlene Gaither is a consultant with Duke Energy, where she focuses on moving learners to a higher cognitive level by creating engaging and meaningful performance support materials. She designs e-learning courses and instructor-led training (ILT) for engineers and operators who manage the electrical grid. As the Kanban lead and scrum master for the agile project team responsible for preparing the business to receive the advanced distribution management system, she supports the training team in adopting SAFe principles. A proud graduate of the William States Lee college of engineering with a degree in computer engineering from UNC Charlotte, she also holds a master's degree in education and instructional technology from the university of Phoen...