Applications Engineering Manager, Southwire Co.; BS, Electrical Engineering, Auburn University
Akins’s ability to understand a product throughout its entire life cycle allows her to excel as an applications engineer. She uses her understanding of codes and standards, technical knowledge and sales expertise to help specify suitable products for an end user’s unique applications. Working across eight vertical markets — including renewable, data centers and factory automation — Akins strives to increase sustainable solutions for a variety of wire and cable products, including the launch of the industry’s first all-in-one cable repair kit that reduces material scrap and a rodent-resistant cable design used to deter wildlife damage. Engineering, procurement and construction firms consult Akins about products and resources to support their sustainability goals and projects. At Southwire, Akins manages a team that drives the specification for emerging industrial vertical markets. Her commitment to sustainable engineering led her to speak on the MULTIgenversations podcast and to contribute to multiple podcasts and webinars as a technical expert. She is also a prolific author. Akins chairs the power and communications division education committee for the Plastics Pipe Institute, an organization that uses technical content to educate end users on plastic use in piping. She is a member of IEEE and was a founding member of 100+ Women Strong at Auburn University. She still volunteers with this organization and with and MATHCOUNTS at the University of West Georgia. She serves on the production team at her church and enjoys crafting and working out in her free time. Her favorite workouts include Pilates, yoga and CrossFit. She has visited 37 states and hopes to visit all of them before reaching the age of 50.
