UNDER THIRTY - Society of Manufacturing Engineers

Lotheronie RabyAge: 28Dow Chemical Co.Houston, TXIn 2008 Dow Chemical named Lotheronie Raby—then 23 years old, and a full-time employee forunder two years—to the role of Global Technical ResourceLeader for Heat Exchangers. In this role sheleads a network of global experts who provide reviews ofcomplex designs, troubleshoot operations failures, andmaintain company standards for design and fabrication.Dow’s David Kafer, who recommended Lotheronie for30 Under 30 recognition, points out that “to gain theconfidence and trust of a global network comprised ofmembers who all have 15-plus years of experience isquite an accomplishment.”Lotheronie joined Dow full time in 2006 as a StaticEquipment Engineer after graduating from SouthernUniversity andA&M College (BatonRouge, LA). Initiallyshe worked under thedirection of a LeadEngineer providing engineering support for several largeprojects globally including the opportunity to designhigh alloy equipment and the largest Ethylene Oxidereactor in the world. From 2010–2012 Lotheronie wasalso a Lead Static Equipment Engineer for several largeprojects including a $130,000,000 project in the USand a six-month assignment for a project in China.“My work is interesting because every project has adifferent scope with its own priorities and challenges,”Lotheronie said. “I am a Discipline Lead for ProcessContainment Equipment as well as an SME for Heat Exchangers—soeach day I work with people both locallyand globally to reach various end goals. The peopleare everything,” she continued: “My mentors, leaders,teams, and everyone else in between are the ones thatkeep me smiling and motivated every day.”UNDER THIRTYLotheronie credits advice she got in high schoolfor bringing her into the world of manufacturing.“Early on in high school, my guidance counselorrecommended engineering to me with the promisethat it would cater to my love of math and science,”Lotheronie remembers. “She was amazing at helpingme define my path to college and coordinatingscholarship opportunities. I ended up in manufacturingwith Dow because Dow partnered up withmy college to sponsor me for a full scholarship withpre-arranged internships.”In addition to her technical and project leadership,Lotheronie has also been active in recruitingnew employees and in public affairs activitiesthrough Dow’sPromise AdvisoryCouncil. “Manufacturingmay notbe everyone’s firstthought when reviewing all career options available,but this field holds a wide array of promise and opportunities,”she noted. “Depending on what one’sstrengths and likes are, one could choose betweendesign engineering, procurement, supply chain, processdesign, production, project management—thelist is endless. Dow is a wonderful place to work forthat very reason.”Lotheronie doesn’t have a specific future jobtitle she longs for because, she said, “I was raisedto know NO limits! However,” she continued, “I doaim to be a leader within my industry and company.At the very least, I aspire to be a technically soundleader constantly working to pave my way forward—while not forgetting to mentor and support others as Ihave been supported.” ME"Early on in high school, my guidance counselorrecommended engineering to me with the promisethat it would cater to my love of math and science."THIRTY UNDER THIRTY PROFILES25 ManufacturingEngineeringMedia.com | July 2013