The ‘FemPower in Metalcasting – Passion and Success’ competition was created to recognise women in the Polish foundry sector who have established their place in the foundry industry and who are actively contributing to it – in business, science and the new generation of engineers. This year’s winners demonstrate that foundry is a space for ambition, innovation and the courage to think about the future, writes Dr inz Katarzyna Liszka, general secretary of the Polish Foundrymen’s Association (STOP) who created the contest.
There were fifteen winners selected for recognition from three categories, including three overall winners. The winners were announced, and the awards were presented, at the annual Polish Foundrymen's Day event in December 2025.
Here, Joanna Trzeciak, overall winner in the Business category; Dr Jadwiga Kaminska, overall winner in the Science category; and Paulina Petrus-Sklorz, overall winner in the Young Women of Foundry category, discuss their career paths, the sources of their success and the significance of the competition.
The competition honours women who have achieved success in a very demanding industry. What was your career path like? Did you know from the beginning that this is where you wanted to build your career?
Paulina Petrus-Sklorz: My path in the foundry industry already began during my studies. I studied automation and robotics at the Silesian University of Technology, and during my engineering studies, in foundry related classes, I encountered this industry for the first time from a technological perspective. I was particularly intrigued by the casting process itself – its complexity, the interdependencies between parameters, and how many factors influence the quality of the final product. This led me to choose the specialisation ‘automation and robotisation of foundry processes,’ which naturally shaped my further career path. In 2016, I started working at Brembo Poland Foundry as an intern in the quality department. From the very beginning, I knew this was an environment where I could grow and have a real impact on production processes. Subsequent career stages – from quality management systems, through project work, to co-operation with customers – only confirmed my belief that the foundry is the industry I want to tie my future to.
Jadwiga Kaminska: Yes, during my university studies I already knew that I wanted to build my career in the foundry industry. It was a conscious decision, based on my interest in technology, materials and the processes taking place during production. I began my professional career in industry, working for one of the suppliers of foundry bentonites, which allowed me to gain insight into the sector and establish co-operation with foundries.
The next stage was seven years of work at the Lukasiewicz Research Network – KIT (formerly the Foundry Research Institute), where I combined scientific activity with industrial practice, implementing innovative technologies directly in foundries. This experience gave me a broad perspective on the needs and challenges of the industry.
In 2023, I decided to return to industry and take up a position directly in a foundry, applying my previous research and implementation experience to everyday production practice. This career path has confirmed my conviction that foundry engineering is the field in which I want to continue to develop and have a real impact on the future of the industry.
Joanna Trzeciak: My journey into the foundry industry was not a solo march but rather a natural continuation of a family relay race. Almost all of my relatives live and breathe this industry, so conversations about foundry work at Sunday lunch are more common than talk about the weather. Although I earned a Master of Engineering degree, which provided me with a solid technical foundation, joining the company immediately after graduation felt like being thrown into the deep end. One might say my position was privileged, as my father held a managerial role at the time, but every coin has two sides. As a young employee, I had to rapidly translate university theory into practice in client relations. I didn't initially plan to stay this long, but I am stubborn by nature, and over time, I realised that this might be my place in the world. Today I know it wasn’t a coincidence, but destiny –which I have forged into my greatest professional life project.
Each of you represents a different path – business, science and the development of the younger generation. What was key to achieving your current position?
Petrus-Sklorz: The key factors were combining strong technical foundations gained during my studies with industrial practice and maintaining a continuous desire for development. I always tried to view the foundry process holistically – from charge preparation, moulding, melting and pouring, through quality control, product validation and meeting end customer requirements. Openness to new projects, cross departmental co-operation and a proactive approach to challenges and task execution also played a significant role.
Kaminska: The key factors in achieving my current position were determination and consistency in pursuing my chosen path, even when it required breaking established patterns and stereotypes present in the foundry industry. From the very beginning, the continuous development of my competences was essential to me – both through acquiring new theoretical knowledge and gaining practical experience. Openness to learning, readiness to take on new challenges, and combining different perspectives – scientific and industrial – allowed me to gradually build credibility and a strong position within the foundry community.
Trzeciak: Stepping out of my comfort zone, humility in learning, diligence and meticulousness were essential. It was crucial for me to understand that management is not just about numbers, but above all about people – both my colleagues, who provided me with expert support, and my clients, with whom I built trust based relationships. The foundation is, undoubtedly, the knowledge passed down by my father, who is a great authority to me. We share a very similar approach to business and understand each other without words. He taught me how to look at the company, not only through the lens of figures but through the potential of people and opportunities for growth. Another pillar of my success is my feminine intuition – what could theoretically have been a barrier, I have forged into my greatest business asset.
Why did you choose foundry as your career path?
Petrus-Sklorz: I chose the foundry industry because it requires versatile competencies and offers a real impact on the efficiency of the entire production process. I am fascinated by the opportunity to participate in projects of strategic importance for the company, make decisions affecting product quality and optimisation, and develop technical, organisational and analytical skills. This industry continuously introduces innovations – from automation and digitalisation of processes to new material technologies – which creates constant challenges and opportunities for professional growth. Working in foundry allows me to see how implemented solutions translate into real products and the success of the entire organisation, making it an exceptionally inspiring and developmental environment for me.
Kaminska: I chose foundry engineering because it is a demanding industry, dynamically developing, and having a real impact on the functioning of many branches of industry. It combines materials science, technology, innovation and practical problem solving, which from the very beginning was particularly attractive to me. Foundry engineering offers continuous development, the implementation of new solutions, and the opportunity to see the tangible results of one’s work in a real production environment. This combination of technical challenges and practical significance is what made foundry engineering my conscious and long term career choice.
Trzeciak: And why not! I took the risk and I have no regrets. As a woman I truly value the long lasting relationships we build here. In our company, foundry work is a team sport – and I simply love winning in great company.
What challenges did you face while building your position in the technical industry?
Petrus-Sklorz: One of the challenges was gaining trust in an environment that had been dominated by men for many years. This required not only technical expertise but also consistency and courage in expressing my opinions and making decisions. Another challenge was the responsibility associated with co-operation with key automotive industry customers, where quality and timeliness are non-negotiable. These experiences, however, significantly strengthened me professionally.
Kaminska: While building my position in the foundry industry, I primarily had to face existing stereotypes and the need to continuously prove my competence in a male dominated environment. Another challenge was combining different roles and expectations – scientific, implementation and industrial work – while maintaining high quality and responsibility for the decisions made. The key was consistently building credibility through knowledge, experience and measurable results, as well as being ready for continuous learning and taking on new challenges.
Trzeciak: Paradoxically, the greatest challenge was not the technology. As a young and inexperienced woman, it was far more difficult for me to establish myself as a fully fledged partner in this typically male dominated world.
Why, in your opinion, should women continue to be more bold in pursuing a career in the foundry sector?
Petrus-Sklorz: Because women bring a different perspective to the industry – often greater attention to detail, communication and process organisation. The foundry industry is changing significantly, becoming more digital, automated and data driven. These are areas where women’s competencies are a great asset. It is no longer purely physical work, but advanced engineering.
Kaminska: Women should be more courageous in pursuing a career in the foundry industry because it is a sector that needs diverse perspectives, competences and ways of thinking. Foundry engineering today is no longer just heavy industry, but also modern technologies, automation, digitalisation, material innovations and process management – areas in which women perform exceptionally well. The presence of women genuinely strengthens teams, improves work culture and supports positive change. The more women decide to enter this industry, the faster it will break stereotypes and become more open, modern and competitive.
Trzeciak: Because today the foundry industry needs the balance that women provide. We bring a unique blend of high emotional intelligence and precision to this sector. We should pursue this path more boldly because our ‘soft’ competencies, combined with technical knowledge, create a new and incredibly effective quality – not only in industry but beyond.
How, from your perspective, is the foundry industry changing today – especially in the context of innovation and the role of women? What advice would you give to women considering a career in the foundry sector?
Petrus-Sklorz: The foundry industry is evolving dynamically, placing increasing emphasis on automation, robotisation, process digitalisation, data analysis and international co-operation. The role of women in this development is steadily growing – they are increasingly holding engineering and managerial positions and actively participating in the industry’s transformation. My advice? Trust your technical knowledge and do not be afraid to try. This environment offers enormous development opportunities, especially for those who are curious about technology, open to innovation and ready to take on challenges.
Kaminska: The foundry industry is developing dynamically – innovations, digitalisation, process automation and environmentally friendly solutions are playing an increasingly important role. Foundry engineering is becoming a modern industrial sector based on knowledge, data and interdisciplinary co-operation. Along with these changes, the role of women is also growing. Women are increasingly present not only in research or quality related areas, but also in technological departments and management positions, actively participating in decision making processes.
To women considering a career in foundry engineering, I would advise not to be afraid of challenges and not to give in to stereotypes. It is worth investing in knowledge, remaining open to continuous learning and seeking one’s own path – both in industry and in research or innovation. Foundry engineering offers real opportunities for development, satisfaction and influence on the future of industry.
Trzeciak: The industry is becoming increasingly precise and digital, which favours those with analytical minds. Today the foundry sector offers opportunities for modern management within international markets. My advice: do not be afraid if you lack a technical degree. The industry needs female managers who can bridge the gap between production and the market.
What does participating in and winning ‘The FemPower in Metalcasting– Passion and Success’ competition mean to you?
Petrus-Sklorz: It is a great honour and confirmation that hard work, commitment and consistency matter. I treat this award not only as a personal success but above all as a signal that women have a real impact on the development of the industry and can play a key role in its innovation.
Kaminska: Participating in and winning the competition is a great honour for me and a confirmation that commitment, consistency, hard work and passion truly matter in such a demanding industry. It is also recognition of a professional path that combines industry, science and the implementation of innovations. At the same time, I treat this distinction as motivation for further work and as a signal that the presence and voice of women in the foundry industry are needed and increasingly visible.
Trzeciak: Winning this competition is a tremendous honour and the crowning achievement of my hard work. I am also deeply heartened that so many people appreciated my efforts and cast their votes for me – I am truly grateful for your support!
What has been the response from your male counterparts and colleagues to you winning this award?
Petrus-Sklorz: The reactions were very positive and supportive. I received many congratulations from my colleagues, which was extremely pleasant and satisfying for me. As a result of winning the competition, I also received an internal ‘Oscar’ at work, which further emphasised the importance of this distinction and made me feel truly appreciated for my commitment and contribution to projects. This experience reinforced my belief that consistency, passion and openness to new challenges are noticed and rewarded – and that it is worth continuously developing competencies, seeking innovative solutions and taking initiative.
Kaminska: The response from my colleagues and co-workers was very positive and supportive. I received many congratulations and words of appreciation, which were particularly valuable to me because they came from people with whom I work on a daily basis and who understand the realities of this profession. I was also deeply moved by the fact that it was they who cast their votes for me in the competition – this shows how important mutual trust in competences and appreciation of teamwork results truly are. This reaction confirmed my belief that in the foundry industry, commitment, knowledge and real achievements are increasingly what matters most – regardless of gender.
Trzeciak: I received a great deal of sincere congratulations. For my team, this award is also a confirmation that, together, we are developing the company in the right direction and that we are all on the same team. This is our shared success.
Why, in your opinion, are such initiatives important for the future of the industry?
Petrus-Sklorz: Such initiatives are extremely important, because they promote diversity and show that the foundry industry is open to talent regardless of gender. They provide an opportunity to recognise engaged, innovative individuals who inspire others, which in turn drives the development of the entire sector. Thanks to them, younger generations can see real role models, while the industry gains in attractiveness, innovation and motivation for continuous improvement and the implementation of new technologies.
Kaminska: Such initiatives are extremely important for the future of the industry because they demonstrate that foundry engineering is open to diversity, innovation and new talent. Recognising women who achieve success in this demanding field helps break stereotypes and inspires future generations to engage in technology, science and industry. Competitions like this raise awareness that competence and passion matter more than gender, and that the industry needs diverse perspectives to develop, implement modern solutions and become more competitive on the global market.
Trzeciak: Such initiatives are vital because they refresh the image of a sector that is still unfairly perceived through the lens of dark halls and heavy physical labour. They show that a foundry worker doesn’t necessarily have to have a soot covered face – sometimes, she wears makeup and a wide smile. Thanks to such competitions, we are seeing the rise of an elite group of female leaders who are not afraid of the fire and who bring a fresh, new quality to the foundry world.
One sentence that would encourage women to work in the foundry sector?
Petrus-Sklorz: Do not be afraid to follow your passion and technical knowledge – the foundry world offers women a real opportunity for growth, innovation and influence on the future of the industry.
Kaminska: Foundry engineering is a field full of challenges, where knowledge, creativity and passion truly shape the future of industry – dare to enter it and show that your female expertise and passion make a real difference.
Trzeciak: I am waiting for you in the foundry industry, ready to support each of you in breaking stereotypes, as I believe our creativity is the force that will make this sector more cohesive and modern.