Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2024 Top 25 Women in Technology. Meet Rebecca Robbennolt.
Title: Global Strategic Account Manager
Company: Johnson Controls
Age: 41
Education: Bachelor’s degree in geological engineering; master’s degree in paleontology
Organizational affiliations: 7X24 Exchange; JCI’s Women’s Global Network; Global Sustainability Network; Parents and Caregivers Together
What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in technology?
I’ve always loved math and science. I’ve wanted to be a paleontologist since I was a young girl, and I was exposed to engineering along the way. I’ve been enjoying learning new technologies and applications in my professional career.
What inspires you to do what you do?
I’m motivated to solve problems, small and large. Engineering and technology require communication and working towards a common goal to successfully navigate day-to-day obstacles, while making progress on the broader objectives. I enjoy the challenge and welcome collaborating with new people across the globe for the success of our projects and customers.
What role does sustainability play in your life?
Johnson Control’s vision is creating “a safe, comfortable and sustainable world.” The products and technical solutions we deploy every day reinforce the company's commitment to sustainability. It’s an honor to work for a company that's an active leader in sustainability strategy and facilitating positive change in our industry.
What is the most fascinating thing you have learned while working in this industry?
I’ve now worked in multiple industries: mining, environmental consulting and manufacturing, including manufacturing products for mission critical facilities. While each respective industry has its own obstacles and challenges, success fundamentally comes back to good communication, understanding the problem or opportunity to be targeted, and working together with a motivated team.
What’s something unique about you personally?
I’m a passionate geologist and love the outdoors. I’m most excited when there are unique formations and geologic history to observe and enjoy with my family.
What’s something unique about you professionally?
I’ve studied unique, potential new species, of the Marine Reptile Tylosaurus from the Late Cretaceous.
What’s your most admirable quality?
I pride myself on my work ethic and loyalty.
Why is diversity, equality, and inclusion important to you?
As a female engineer, DE&I is a daily priority of mine. I welcome the opportunity to work with colleagues and customers to break stereotypes and facilitate positive change in our working teams. Through community outreach and STEM initiatives in schools and local organizations, my goal is to expose the next generation of future technical workers, scientists and engineers that anyone can serve the fields. The more diverse our schools and project teams become, the more opportunity we have for new ideas and marked change for the betterment of the industry.
What aspect of the industry do you think has the most potential for growth, and, on the other hand, which aspect do you think needs the most improvement?
Artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in the data center space will have a direct impact on industry growth in the coming years. While these new advancements bring huge opportunities for the engineering and supply teams supporting the industry, development and validation constraints may limit the speed to market.
When you imagine the future of the technology industry, what does it look like?
Sustainable solutions will need to be considered from inception to navigate changing regulations and support productive and secure mission critical operations for years to come. Expanding our organizations to include knowledgeable women and men focused on renewable solutions and sustainable designs will transform the mission critical industry.
