Six months ago, I was tasked with closing the book publishing division of SAE International that I spent eight years building into an award-winning program. The news hit hard. What I did not expect was the outpouring of support from our authors. That response reminded me who SAE really is. Founded in 1905, SAE International has always been defined by its people, from pioneers like Henry Ford, Orville Wright, Andrew L. Riker, and Amelia Earhart to the members who carry that legacy forward. Every non-profit is only as strong as its membership. It is the people that I will remember most. -->Convincing Doug Milliken, the father of vehicle dynamics, that yes, I really did know what Smyth-sewn binding was. -->Publishing a book in 2021 with Kelly Senecal and Felix Leach that challenged the idea that EVs were the single solution, years before the broader media caught up. -->Reading an email from Nagin Cox explaining she would miss a contributors’ meeting because the Mars rover she helped build was landing that day. My day starts at 7 a.m. driving my youngest daughter to middle school while subjecting her to Mom Karaoke. This morning’s song was Flowers by Miley Cyrus. As she got out of the car, she said, “Mom, you should buy yourself flowers. I know today is going to be hard for you.” So I did. I bought a dozen pink roses and placed them next to one of my favorite books, Women Driven Mobility by Katelyn Davis and Kristin Shaw, LEED AP Shaw. These young women inspire the next generation of leaders, including my own daughter Stella, now a sophomore at Purdue. They stood united in choosing a cover by a local artist that ignored every SAE branding guideline. Occasionally, going against the grain serves a bigger purpose. To this day, I am not sure SAE ever realized I included a free poster of that cover in the first printing. But the readers noticed. As I look ahead to the next chapter of my career, I do so with gratitude and confidence. No matter where the path leads, a journey is defined by the people you meet, the work you stand behind, and the choices you make along the way.
Sherry, it was my pleasure working with you on expanding the reach of subject matter experts within the SAE portfolio. Kelly Senecal was a thought-provoking keynote for WCX, and I spent years working with Gloria D'Anna, bringing cybersecurity to all modes of transportation SAE covered. We collaborated on ways to advance women leading innovation through panel discussions and book promotion so I know you will absolutely land in a better place doing great things. Keep your head up and sing as loud as you want in the car!
Sherry Dickinson, I think that Andrea Strzelec, Ph.D., FSAE would agree that working with you was one of the best parts of preparing our book. We'll miss your guidance as we gear up for a second edition.
Sherry, thank you for being you - your friendship and expertise.
Thank you, Sherry for everything you did for Kristin and I as well as all the other under represented leaders who had a story to tell. You’ve been such a champion for so many people. It has been an absolute privilege to experience your light and support at such a pivotal moment in our careers. I hope that our paths will cross again. Wishing you (and Stella) the absolute best! ♥️
Sherry, you've done such a fantastic job and I look forward to seeing what's next for you!
I know it is a difficult situation right now, but you will be a winner in the end!!
This is a great summary of some of the terrific work you’ve done. Most people don’t realize this just scratches the surface. I am proud to know you as a colleague and friend. I also know you will be successful in whatever you do.
Thank you again for reaching out two years ago to encourage me to write the new future of public transportation. You were an important part of my life and believed in me in my message and I’ll always remember you for it. Thank you.
This woman work got alot life in her, her work is a world.
Sherry, you understood our vision when other publishers did not. Thank you for taking the chance on our book.