Jesse Quiroga Named AIST's Standout Young Professional

Jesse Quiroga, Marketing and Human Resources Specialist

EAFab is proud to celebrate one of its rising leaders, Jesse Quiroga, who was recently recognized as the standout Young Professional in the November edition of the Association for Iron and Steel Technology’s Iron & Steel Technology magazine. The publication, widely distributed throughout North America, highlights leaders, innovations, and advancements shaping the future of the steel industry. Being featured so early in her career speaks not only to Quiroga’s passion and dedication, but also to the growing influence she is already making within the industry. As a team member of EAFab Corporation, her recognition reflects the company’s continued commitment to investing in the next generation of steel industry leadership.

Quiroga began her professional journey in steel after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh College of Business Administration in May 2023 with a degree in marketing and minors in economics and Spanish. While many may not immediately associate marketing with heavy industry, Quiroga has embraced the opportunity to help reshape the public perception of steel while contributing to one of the world’s most essential industries. In her interview, she shared how growing up in a steel family gave her an appreciation for the impact steel has on everyday life and inspired her to pursue a career where she could make a tangible difference. Her path into the industry accelerated after attending the Steel to Students program at AISTech 2021, where she discovered the intersection of business, marketing, and steel manufacturing.

Throughout the interview, Quiroga emphasized the importance of community and professional development within the steel industry. Through her involvement with AIST and the Pittsburgh Member Chapter, she found a strong sense of connection and collaboration that helped ease the transition from college into professional life. She described the steel industry as uniquely welcoming to young professionals and credited the relationships she has built through conferences, training seminars, and networking events as instrumental to her personal and professional growth. Her recent acceptance of a board position within the AIST Pittsburgh Member Chapter further demonstrates her dedication to supporting and strengthening the future of the industry.

Quiroga also spoke about the unexpected opportunities the steel industry has provided her on a global scale. Passionate about travel and learning from different cultures, she explained how working in steel has connected her with professionals from around the world, broadening her perspective on international business and global manufacturing. Through these experiences, she has developed confidence in cross-cultural communication and collaboration while building relationships that extend far beyond geographic borders. Her story highlights how today’s steel industry is far more interconnected, innovative, and globally driven than many young professionals may initially realize.

When asked what advice she would offer students considering a future in steel, Quiroga encouraged young people to remain open-minded and willing to explore opportunities outside of traditional corporate career paths. She emphasized that the steel industry offers meaningful careers across operations, engineering, administration, marketing, and leadership, all within a field that continues to evolve through innovation and sustainability. And in her words,

"There are so many possibilities in this industry beyond what you might expect. Choose a career that excites you, with people who support you. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty — take a chance on steel!"

Her journey serves as an example of how passion, curiosity, and a willingness to take chances can create unexpected opportunities. As EAFab Corporation continues supporting innovation and industry leadership, Quiroga’s recognition reinforces the company’s role in helping shape the future of steel manufacturing and young professional development across North America.

Read her full article here: AIST Young Professionals Spotlight - November 2024