REDEFINING YOURSELF

How Kindra Porter Uses Change to Drive Progress in Aerospace

Kindra Porter is a senior operations alignment specialist at Bell Textron. She was recognized as a rising star in technology during a recent Career Communications Group (CCG) conference. In this US Black Engineer magazine interview conducted by Marsha Jews, a veteran host at CCG events, Porter offers her insights and perspectives on the fast-evolving world of STEM and why staying ahead requires continual selfredefinition and innovation. Porter's journey, spanning various roles and industries, exemplifies this principle, highlighting the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and a willingness to embrace change.

Embracing Change in Aerospace

USBE: How does selfredefinition and innovation play a crucial role in staying ahead in the fast-evolving world of STEM?

Porter: My career in the aerospace industry began in a time of unprecedented upheaval. The COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, bringing many industries, including aerospace, to a standstill. It was during this challenging period that I joined Bell Textron as a manufacturing engineer. The pandemic, with its abrupt transitions and uncertainties, provided a unique opportunity to develop new skills and adapt to changing circumstances. This experience taught me the value of hitting the ground running and working collaboratively to overcome obstacles.

A Multifaceted Path

USBE: How did the COVID-19 pandemic create opportunities for developing new skills and adapting to changes in the aerospace industry?