Women in Engineering: Insights from TransPak’s Trailblazers

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we recognize the talented women engineers at TransPak who are driving innovation in packaging engineering. With women representing just 22% of the field globally, their achievements highlight both their expertise and the growing impact of women in STEM. 

In this Q&A, we hear from some of our TransPak female engineers who share what inspired them to pursue careers in packaging, the advice they have for young women considering the field, and their thoughts on the evolving role of women in STEM. Their experiences highlight the importance of mentorship, inclusion, and perseverance in an industry that is rapidly changing. 

Q: Can you introduce yourself and describe your role at TransPak? 

Marina Bronsten: I’m a Packaging Engineer based in the San Jose office. While I started in packaging engineering, my current focus is implementing new software programs, such as Siemens NX, for 3D modeling. I help train our engineers to use this software and support them through the transition. 

Annie Schaubel: I work out of our Hayward GDC office as a Packaging Design Engineer. My role involves designing and developing packaging solutions for various customers alongside my colleague, Anna. 

Anna Wrobel: I am originally from Poland and currently work at the Hayward facility as a Packaging Engineer. I was hired specifically to work with one of TransPak’s biggest customers to help develop packaging tools. My background is in mechanical engineering, but I have extensive experience in sustainable and reusable packaging. 

Sukanya Ganapuram: I am the Sr. Manager of Packaging Engineering Operations at TransPak, based in the San Jose office. In my role, I lead the engineering team, focusing on continuous improvement projects, managing packaging engineering projects and I work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, sales, project managers and customers. One of my key responsibilities is driving standardization and process improvements. I am passionate about streamlining engineering operations, continuous improvements and operational excellence. Currently, I am the only woman on our engineering management team. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, specifically packaging engineering? 

Marina Bronsten: I’ve always been drawn to combining creativity with problem-solving. My background in industrial design engineering allowed me to explore both. My father, an agricultural engineer, and my grandparents, who were furniture makers, inspired me to pursue engineering. Being surrounded by people who were always creating things influenced my decision to take this path. 

Anna Wrobel: I attended a technical high school and loved it. I always found technical subjects, especially physics, easier than social sciences. I went on to study mechanical engineering and got my start in the packaging industry at a Belgian company. Working on the floor as a prototype supervisor gave me hands-on experience and helped me transition into packaging engineering. 

Annie Schaubel Initially, I wanted to go into the medical field but realized I wasn’t passionate about the coursework. Michigan State University has a well-known packaging program, and I was drawn to it because it combined science, problem-solving, and hands-on work. I love designing and building things, so packaging engineering was a natural fit. 

Sukanya Ganapuram: I was always fascinated by creativity from a young age, and I wanted to do something innovative with a hands-on approach. With a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Printing and Packaging Technology and an M.S Packaging Science degree, I transitioned through various packaging roles. I was mostly on the supplier side of packaging and was always interested in industrial packaging, which eventually led me to TransPak. What I love most about this field is its impact. Every package tells a story, it protects high-value products, reduces waste, and improves transportation efficiency. Ultimately, the combination of engineering principles, creativity, and problem-solving in packaging makes it a gratifying career.   

Q: What advice would you give to women interested in pursuing a career in engineering? 

Annie: Build connections with other women. Women have a great ability to support and uplift each other. 

Marina: Pursue your dreams, and don’t give up. Engineering can be challenging, but perseverance is key. If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back, regroup, and keep going. 

Anna: If you love being creative and solving problems, go for it. Engineering allows for both technical expertise and innovation. The field is always evolving, so you’ll never get bored. 

Sukanya: Engineering is a challenging but rewarding field. Believe in yourself, and don’t shy away from challenges. Engineering is all about problem-solving and creativity; there’s always something new to learn. If you’re in packaging engineering, explore sustainability trends, new trends, and supply chain efficiencies to stay ahead. Also, find mentors and build a strong support network so you can confidently take up space in this field. 

Q: How would you describe the culture at TransPak in terms of inclusivity and support for women in engineering? 

Marina: In my San Jose office, there are more male engineers, but I’ve always felt comfortable and included. I appreciate the collaborative nature of the team, where everyone is open to exchanging ideas and providing guidance. It creates an environment where learning and professional growth are strongly encouraged. 

Sukanya: The culture at TransPak is one that values inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation, making it a great environment to work and it feels like a family. Even though I’m one of the few women in a managerial position, everyone is supportive and willing to help each other out. There’s always a strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and problem-solving, allowing engineers of all backgrounds to contribute effectively. The leadership team values input from all employees, regardless of gender, and fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed. I’ve found that my technical expertise, ideas and contributions are taken seriously, which has given me confidence to grow in this role. 

Anna: My experience has been really positive. I have always felt respected and appreciated for my technical expertise, and I believe this company does a great job in creating opportunities for professional development. While the industry as a whole may still be male-dominated, TransPak stands out as a place where women engineers are valued and encouraged to advance. 

Q: What role does sustainability play in your approach to packaging design? 

Sukanya: Sustainability, cost savings, and continuous improvement go hand in hand. Projects I worked on in previous roles involved reducing carbon footprint by designing packaging that optimizes shipping space (more products per shipment = fewer trucks on the road), which not only cut costs but also prevented damage and improved efficiency. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility. I’m committed to driving continuous improvements that meet performance requirements and align with sustainability goals. 

Marina: Many clients are looking to reduce materials like foam in crates. It’s exciting to find alternative solutions that maintain product protection while being more environmentally friendly. Standardizing models and sharing designs across teams also helps reduce waste and inefficiencies. 

Annie: My focus is on ensuring designs are manufacturable and can be produced efficiently. Reducing material usage while maintaining product safety is a big part of sustainable packaging design. 

Q: What are your hopes for the future of women in packaging engineering? 

Annie: The semiconductor and industrial packaging industries tend to have fewer women compared to consumer packaging. I’d love to see more women enter and thrive in these spaces. There’s so much opportunity for innovation, especially in optimizing packaging solutions for sensitive, high-value equipment. The more diverse perspectives we have, the more creative and effective our solutions will be. It would be great to see more women in leadership roles within industrial packaging, driving sustainability and efficiency in ways that challenge traditional industry norms. 

Sukanya: I’m excited about the progress women are making in this field. Many women end up in pharma, food, or cosmetic packaging, but the semiconductor and industrial side of packaging tend to have fewer women. Industrial packaging is a dynamic and evolving field, offering exciting challenges. Having more women in this sector can bring fresh insights into efficiency improvements, creativity and problem-solving. Women are now stepping into leadership, driving innovation, and uplifting others in the field of packaging engineering. 

Conclusion 

At TransPak, we are proud to have talented women engineers shaping the future of packaging. Their stories, perseverance, and expertise inspire the next generation of women in STEM. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate their contributions and continue to foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation in engineering.