The year 2020 has presented unique challenges and interruptions across all aspects of our lives, but it does not stop us from celebrating the various accomplishments and achievements of women leaders of color! Throughout the month of August, we will spotlight these amazing women and share their unique perspectives, philosophies, and stories.

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Dr. Karen Eng is the President and CEO of CSMI, an engineering firm. Initially a successful optometrist with a Doctorate from the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Eng surprised her family with her bold decision to switch careers and industries, and take over the family business. She was committed to taking the company to the next level and expand it on a global scale. Her close work with the Food Drug Administration, MBDA, the International Trade Administration, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States has led CSMI to be one of the top engineering consulting services firm in both domestic and foreign markets. Dr. Eng has used her professional success to support, promote, and mentor other girls, women, and minority business owners, particularly those in STEM-related industries. Her company is especially dedicated to developing and implementing an effective supplier diversity program, which serves the participation of Minority, Women and Disabled Business Enterprises (MWDBEs).

Dr. Eng is a member of several prominent Boards, including: Board of Trustees for the Illinois College of Optometry, Board for National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (ACE), and Board of Asian & Pacific Islander American Votes (APIA Votes). The Illinois State Treasurer has given her an award for Outstanding Service in Business in honor of Asian Heritage Month. In addition, she also has positions on the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program Council and The Illinois Census Count Commission 2020.

Her long list of achievements have impressed many in the API community, so we reached out to hear her thoughts on success:

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Throughout your leadership journey, from your first job to your current position, what are some key lessons you’ve learned that have shaped you as a leader?

Dr. Karen Eng: People want to work with people that they like and that they trust. Not everyone is going to like you and you won’t like everyone, but there are those that you just “click” with, and from there you can build a strong relationship. People learn to trust you when you follow through and keep your word and clearly communicate.

Every person faces their own challenges and women of color are certainly no exception. What contributes to your resilience as a professional woman of color?

KE: I have the privilege of a great network of leaders, supporters, and advocates. Not only are they successful at their careers, they are good people that are compassionate and humble. When I run into a dilemma, I can call anyone from my network, they are responsive, and they help me work through it. I am proud to call them my friends as well.

Knowing the unique challenges that you have faced as a professional woman of color, what advice would you give to your younger self?

KE: Be patient, and be a good listener. Sometimes you feel the need to respond immediately- many times in your defense. However, if we look to collaborate and listen to what people want as their end result, we can typically get there together with minimal disruption.

Having a “daily routine for success” has been shown to improve mental, physical, and emotional health. Do you have a daily routine?

KE: Yes, I do a few minutes of stretching and a few minutes of meditation first thing every morning. My bag has been emptied and reloaded the day before so it’s ready to go in the morning. Two times a week, my husband and I work out with a personal trainer, and the other days we vary our workout. I review my calendar first thing in the morning as well as right before bed since I need reminders to keep my professional, personal and family calendars straight. Lastly, I use the app “The Five Minute Journal” which asks in the morning what I am grateful for and how I will make the day great. At the end of the day, it asks me what amazing things happened today and how could I have made the day even better.