Reliance Steel Hosts Engineering Week Event to Inspire Young Women in STEM

Empowering Future Engineers: RS Celebrates Engineering Week with Local Students

On March 30, 2026, Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company (RS) hosts a momentous event at its Fort Worth headquarters to commemorate Engineering Week 2026. The gathering attracts 11 eighth-grade girls from the Young Women's Leadership Academy (YWLA), particularly from their Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) teams. This initiative underlines RS’s commitment to promoting education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, particularly among young women. The YWLA, known for its emphasis on math and science since its establishment in 2010, aims to empower girls through a college preparatory curriculum, aligning perfectly with RS's values of innovation and community engagement.

The day begins with enthusiastic welcoming speeches from RS executives, including D'Mar Phillips, Vice President of People & Culture. Representatives from two of RS’s employee resource groups, Bloomers and Elevate, also participate, showcasing their commitment to supporting career growth for women and young professionals. Following the speeches, the students embark on an interactive tour of RS's expansive 520,000-square-foot warehouse. Guided by Billy Newby, the Director of Warehouse Operations, the girls observe cutting-edge technologies, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and the high-performance KNAPP OSR Shuttle Evo system, giving them a firsthand look at the advanced technologies shaping the industry.

As the event progresses, students engage in an engineering activity that builds on the concepts they learn throughout the day, solidifying their understanding of critical thinking and problem-solving. This hands-on experience not only nurtures their skills but ignites a passion for STEM careers, encouraging them to envision futures in engineering and technology. Over lunch, students reflect on their experiences and express heightened enthusiasm for pursuing pathways traditionally dominated by men, ultimately aligning with RS’s broader mission to inspire the next generation of female leaders in technical fields.

In addition to the fortifying educational experience provided, RS’s initiative highlights the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community involvement. By inspiring young girls to explore STEM, the event illustrates the importance of diversity in the workplace and the necessity for organizations to invest in the education of future generations. The event stands as a testament to RS’s ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive future in engineering and technology, ensuring that every talent, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to shine.

RS’s dedicated approach to nurturing young talent not only benefits the participants but also enriches the fabric of the community, cultivating a new generation ready to tackle complex challenges in the evolving industrial landscape. Through initiatives like this, RS forges pathways for empowerment, ensuring that the future of engineering is bright and diverse.