Distinguished New Engineer

Victoria Png served as a senior project engineer for 3M Company and International Paper. In these roles, she led cross-functional teams to coordinate complex project timelines and installations, including evaluations and startups of new equipment. She worked with business partners, suppliers, facility personnel, and management to develop project needs and implementation timelines to optimize production schedules.

Png recently took on a new role as founder and principal of Zhen Project Services LLC, an industrial project management consultancy that partners with companies seeking to optimize their project outcomes. The company specializes in navigating complex capital projects and offers comprehensive solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Png has amassed an impressive record of project successes, including improvements to daily operations, increased safety, monetary savings, and many other tangible results. She recently completed the manufacturing relocation of a multimillion-dollar business to a different facility. This complex, time-sensitive move affected multiple functions at two facilities. Png managed six subteams while battling a multitude of supply chain and labor issues. As a result of her leadership, the project is expected to save millions in variable machine costs and significantly improve unit costs.

In each of her roles, Png’s managers have designated her as a high-potential employee because she perpetually strives to challenge herself and grow as a person, leader, and employee. She is known for pushing past her comfort zone for continued growth, increased knowledge, and making a positive difference in others’ lives.

Png has been an active member of the Society of Women Engineers since 2008 and has served in many leadership roles, including multiple terms as section president, professional development lead, and membership chair. Currently, she is active in the SWE Asian Connections affinity group (ACAG) and the SWE Entrepreneurs affinity group, for which she is serving as the group’s FY24 newsletter editor. She has also presented many times at SWE conferences.

As the 3M SWE chair-elect, she worked to streamline ways members could connect with 3M SWE and developed recruiting efforts at WE Local conferences and a professional virtual career fair for the first time. As 3M SWE chair, she has established the strategic goals for the group and focused on providing a supportive community through a period of significant business transformation for 3M.

Png has served as ACAG awards lead since FY21. She advocated for ACAG members and their accomplishments by managing a program that provides opportunities for members to have their achievements reviewed. She also led submission efforts for Mission Awards. The group received a gold award and two best practice awards in FY21 and FY22.

Png was also involved with 3M’s Asian employee resource network and served as its connections pillar co-lead. Her team focused on creating meaningful connections through cultural celebrations, curated learning forums, and allyship.

Her endeavors were recognized with a WE Local New ELiTE Award and a Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) Promising Professional Award in 2022, both of which recognize early-career talent. She holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a certificate in markets and management from Duke University. She is also a certified project management professional. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, photography, gardening, and crafting.