Arlene Spezzaferro ’93

After graduating from Wilmington Friends School, Arlene Spezzaferro ’93 earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she was a member of the Women’s Crew Team and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.

Now in her 28th year at GE Aerospace, Arlene serves as Leader of the Edison Engineering Development Program (EEDP), a two-year early career rotational program that supports and develops engineers as they enter the workforce. She manages a team of 45 employees and is especially passionate about mentoring new engineers. Prior to this role, Arlene spent 20 years working in Aircraft Engine Analysis, developing digital models to simulate engine performance.  What Arlene loves most about her work is solving complex problems, collaborating with brilliant minds, and mentoring the next generation of engineers. “It takes so many experts in so many different areas to make an aircraft engine,” she notes. “I’m continually impressed by my colleagues.”

She credits her WFS education with teaching her how to balance multiple passions—including academics, music, and sports—a skill that proved invaluable in college and throughout her professional career.

Her advice to the Class of 2025? “As you enter college and eventually the workplace, two things will set you apart: the willingness to work hard, and the ability to build a community around you. Lean into both.”