She’s an Engineer

Published 23 June 2025

Meet the women engineers revolutionizing timber! Join us in celebrating the outstanding women who are engineering a better world for all of us.

Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible dedication and brilliance of the female engineers at Stora Enso. These remarkable women are at the forefront of creating a sustainable future with innovative, renewable wood-based products.

We took a moment to ask some of our talented female engineers what this important day means to them. Their responses are nothing short of inspiring. We hope you find their insights as uplifting and motivating as we do!

Kim Ekberg, Environmental and Industrial Engineer

"I got into environmental engineering because I wanted to solve real problems and make a difference in people’s lives. Sustainability was always present in my family growing up — it was something we talked about and valued. Working with engineered wood products allows me to do meaningful work every day, because when a customer chooses wood over fossil-based materials, the environmental impact is real.

I’m proud to help advance mass timber as a mainstream choice in construction — placing the right materials in the right places. It’s about building long-lasting, sustainable structures and showing that renewable materials are not only possible but a great choice."

Hope Chuah, Civil Engineer

"After 15 years in construction engineering, heavily involved in concrete projects, I made the proud decision to join Stora Enso almost five years ago — a company committed to reducing the enormous carbon footprint of the industry.

As a feminist and a mother, I am deeply invested in creating a better world for all, particularly for the next generation. Now, as I deliver timber projects, I know that I am not only doing the right thing for our environment but also setting a powerful example for my children and empowering other women in the industry.

Timber sequesters carbon dioxide and stores it in buildings, making every project a step towards a more sustainable future.

I am honoured to be a part of this transformative journey."

Xinlei Du, Wood Technology Engineer

"At the very beginning, I just thought becoming an engineer was a cool thing. But along the way, I found my passion in working with wood. As a natural material, wood has always amazed me — it gives off a warm, cozy feeling, and yet it's incredibly strong and versatile.

As a woman in engineering, I value the opportunity to bring my perspective to a field that combines creativity, technical expertise, and purpose. I’ve learned that curiosity, collaboration, and clear communication are just as important as calculations.

It’s also important to me to help others discover what wood is truly capable of — and how much untapped potential it still has. I feel proud to be part of something that’s shaping a more sustainable future."

Jennifer Carlsson, Research Engineer

"Timber is a fascinating material. Naturally grown from the ground, its structure is complex and clever. In my role as a Research Engineer at Stora Enso, I get to keep learning more about timber’s complexity and get lost in the small technical details, to later apply it to industry scale.

As engineers, we play an important role in reducing the carbon footprint in construction by making smart design choices, correct use of materials and the continuous development of building products. This is what motivates me every day."

Annika Racki, M.Sc. Industrial Management & Engineering

"As engineers, we have a responsibility to mitigate the climate crisis and design a more inclusive world. With advances in engineered timber technologies, renewable products are the obvious choice."

Annika Racki is a Winner of Female Leader Engineer 2022, CoGig.

Kerstin Gruber, Industrial and Timber Engineer

"As a girl, it was already clear to me that I would work in a technical job. Fascinated by mathematics, physics, and construction, I was captivated by how everything works and can be built. During my education, it became even clearer that I wanted to be part of something big.

I found my place at Stora Enso, where I can combine all the tasks I love. Being an engineer, a team leader, and a role model, I am always searching for solutions and passing this passion on to my children at home."