Keeping the engineering tradition alive in the family
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While there are many inspiring figures in the engineering industry, two individuals who had the most significant influence on Kelly Karimata’s decision to pursue an engineering degree were her father, Maicol Karimata, and grandfather, Kioshi Karimata.
“We say we are a family of engineers, with the passion and knowledge passed down through generations. I’m proud to continue that legacy and be the next and youngest engineer in our family,” said Karimata, who graduated from UIC in 2024 with a degree in engineering management.
As a supply chain planning analyst at National Safety Apparel in Chicago, her primary responsibility is monitoring inventory levels across six facilities, ensuring optimal stock allocation by preventing overstocking or shortages. She also manages and directs purchase orders to the appropriate locations to maintain balanced inventory levels at each site.
“The great thing about my job is the opportunity to design, implement, and enhance our operational processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness,” she said.
While her family inspired her to become an engineer, her decision to attend UIC was based on the uniqueness of the university and the program it offered.
“I chose UIC because of its diverse community and the unique opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering management, a program not commonly offered at many other institutions,” she said.
At UIC, she found the support she needed to prepare her for the working world and flourish in her career.
“The College of Engineering provided me with foundational knowledge and a problem-solving mindset, which, in my opinion, is the most valued skill I took from my bachelor’s experience,” Karimata said. “Pursuing a degree in Chicago gave me the opportunity to build valuable connections and expand my professional network.”
As a successful alumna, she is happy to recommend UIC to high school students looking at universities.
“From my personal experience, choosing a major was a difficult decision in high school, but engineering was always the path I leaned toward. UIC not only deepened my academic knowledge but also broadened my way of thinking and helped me grow intellectually and personally,” she said.