GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A West Michigan engineer will soon join the board of a national organization alongside leaders from some of the top companies in the world. 

Danielle Schneider is an applications engineer at Pridgeon & Clay. She decided to join the organization Women in Manufacturing after a coworker invited her to a meeting. Now, she has been selected to be vice chair. 

“One of my things is don’t stop till you are proud and I’m proud of myself, but I still want to keep going,” Schneider said. 

Schneider said the organization helps bring women together to learn and grow from each other. In 2023, women made up 29% of the manufacturing field. Schneider hopes that in her new position, she can help grow that number and give more women a voice. 

“The biggest thing is making sure your voice is heard or making sure the person or lady behind you, her voice is heard as well,” Schneider said. 

She begins her new position on April 1.