As an Industrial Engineer at Arrow Engine Company in Tulsa since 2018, Natalya Crsytina Ramirez Marchiran is a driving force behind corporate goal achievement, spearheading initiatives rooted in Lean principles and advanced quality metrics. Her responsibilities include leading safety protocols, implementing 5S methodologies, and facilitating Kaizen events, all while emphasizing collaborative communication to convert complex technical concepts into actionable strategies. Her tenure at Arrow Engine began as an Engineer Clerk, where she laid the groundwork for continuous improvement programs and ensured robust quality system implementation.
Beyond her professional commitments, Ramirez Marchiran’s dedication extends deeply into community development. A prolific volunteer and leader within a local moms’ club, she notably co-founded the first women’s Hispanic kickball team in the U.S. What began as a novel idea has blossomed into a thriving league of over 30 teams, demonstrating her ability to apply principles of organization, teamwork, and sustainable growth—hallmarks of industrial engineering—to foster social cohesion and empowerment.
Ramirez Marchiran is acutely aware of her role in paving the way for other women in engineering. “I help pave the way for other women in engineering by serving as a role model in leadership roles and sharing my experiences openly,” she states. Her journey wasn’t without its challenges. “At first, pursuing a career in engineering did feel intimidating, especially because it is a field where women are still underrepresented and the expectations are high.” However, she viewed these hurdles as opportunities, crediting mentors and her own determination for building resilience. “Today, I see those early challenges as part of what shaped my resilience, and I hope my journey can encourage others to step into engineering with confidence.”
Her approach to her profession is distinctive, combining “strong technical expertise in industrial engineering with a focus on practical impact and innovation.” She elaborates, “I don’t just look at processes from an efficiency standpoint; I seek solutions that improve productivity while also promoting sustainability, safety, and long-term value.” This ethos extends to her personal productivity. “I manage my time by setting clear priorities each day and focusing on the tasks that have the greatest impact,” she explains, employing Lean tools like Kanban and value stream mapping to streamline her workload and maintain a balance of structure, discipline, and adaptability.
Among her proudest achievements is leading a project that “optimized a key manufacturing process, generating significant efficiency gains and cost savings.” This accomplishment is particularly meaningful given her immigrant experience. “Being an immigrant in a new country has been a challenge in itself—coming here meant adapting to a new culture and system,” she reflects. This background fuels her drive to take on challenges others might avoid, seeing them as “opportunities to learn, grow, and create meaningful impact.”
Ramirez Marchiran’s commitment to continuous learning is paramount. “I am genuinely excited by what new knowledge and experiences have to offer,” she shares. This pursuit keeps her ahead of evolving technologies and enhances her problem-solving capabilities. For her, the “best part of my job as an industrial engineer is the ability to solve any type of problem and take on projects of any kind,” highlighting the versatility and tangible results inherent in her field.
Looking ahead to 2025, Ramirez Marchiran sees a dynamic transformation in industrial engineering, marked by digital advancements, artificial intelligence, and a growing presence of women. “The representation of women in engineering and AI continues to grow, and with it comes a stronger culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity,” she observes. She envisions her role as driving this positive change: “By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, mentoring, and promoting continuous learning, I can help the field not only overcome its challenges but also enhance its ability to deliver meaningful solutions for industry and society.”
From optimizing manufacturing lines at Arrow Engine to empowering women through community initiatives, Natalya Crystina Ramirez Marchiran exemplifies how industrial engineering principles, when applied with vision and dedication, can create widespread positive change. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and a testament to the power of diverse leadership in shaping a more efficient, inclusive, and innovative future.
