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TransDigm Event Uplifts Students with Insight and Opportunity
Foster School of Business and Engineering students connect with industry leaders and reflect on the power of community, mentorship, and purpose.
Written By: Joseph Reynaga, University of Washington Engineering Student
The day was like any other Tuesday, filled with the typical Seattle sunshine. Clouds filled the skies, complemented by just the right amount of drizzle. Despite the gloomy weather, however, there were many happy faces that filled Founders Hall, eager for the knowledge that the day’s special guests would bring.
On April 8th, 2025, the University of Washington’s very own College of Engineering and Foster School of Business hosted their annual TransDigm event. Many fellow Peacock Scholars, members of Engineering’s Pathways for Inclusive Excellence (PIE), and Foster’s Business Bridge students had the opportunity to speak with industry professionals from TransDigm and subsidiaries AvtechTyee and Hytek Finishes. This event allowed students to connect and network with peers, staff, and hopefully future employers. What many of us hadn’t expected was the opportunity to be inspired.
Welcoming Words and Unexpected Wisdom
The room buzzed with excitement as many of the participants arrived early to grab refreshments, chat, and take their seats. The event kicked off with introductions and opening remarks from the Deans of both the College of Engineering and the Foster School of Business. Although there was a structured schedule for the rest of the event, it evolved organically into an open discussion between the students and the keynote speaker, Kevin Stein, President and CEO of TransDigm. TransDigm is a leading global designer, producer and supplier of highly engineered aircraft components.
Throughout this discussion, Kevin shared his personal story, fielded questions from students, and offered advice. Kevin is a perfect reminder that leadership doesn’t always come from where you expect it. Given that he is a CEO, I was expecting him to have dedicated his academic journey to business. Yet the reality is quite the opposite. Kevin actually has a PhD in inorganic chemistry and didn’t switch to the business field until later in life. Hearing this anecdote was a reminder that paths are rarely linear, and it gave me, and many others, comfort that one doesn’t need to have it all figured out right away.
One of the most memorable moments for me was when Kevin talked about one’s passions in life. He reminded us that finding what you’re good at is just as, if not more, quintessential to success. Through hard work, we can hone and refine that skill into something that is marketable and successful. That mindset challenged many assumptions that I had about career planning and made me realize that fulfillment may lend itself to where you least expect it.
Connecting with Industry Professionals
After speaking with Kevin, we had the valuable opportunity to meet and network with some of the members of AvtechTyee and Hytek Finishes (subsidiaries of TransDigm). Students were given the chance to speak with these professionals and esteemed staff, facilitating introductions and meaningful connections that could one day lead to future opportunities and collaborations. Having the chance to speak with them was both insightful and motivating.
As a Peacock Scholar, I am proud to share some of these values and be a part of a program that creates access to opportunities like this. This support network has allowed me to get a head start on college and experience it unburdened, knowing that there will always be help when I need it. When I think of Engineering Dean’s Scholars, the first word that comes to mind is community, one that believes in the potential of its members but shepherds us towards it. I think there is greatness that lies within us all, and programs like Engineering Dean’s Scholars provide us the opportunity to let that shine. For this, I am unbelievably grateful.
Overall, I would say that this event was a resounding success and an amazing opportunity to network, obtain insight and perspective from masters of their craft, and be in a room filled with successful people. It is rare to have such direct access to so many people who can teach you so much, but I am certain that the knowledge gained that day will stick with many people for many years to come.
