Anna Cenciarelli, 28
Product Manager Team Lead
Siemens
Anna began her career with Siemens nearly nine years ago as an intern. “Throughout my mechanical engineering degree, I worked part‑time with the organization, rotating through the residential and apparatus segments and shadowing various product managers,” she recalled. “After graduation, I moved directly into a product manager role on the Residential team. Since then, I’ve earned a few promotions that expanded both my product responsibilities and strategic scope. My most recent promotion, in 2025, brought me into the team lead position for the Residential Metering Product Management group.”
Like so many others, Anna entered this industry somewhat by accident. “As a freshman mechanical engineering student with very little experience, I wanted to challenge myself at the career fair—even if it just meant practicing how to talk to professionals,” she said. “That led to an unexpected opportunity: an internship in Siemens’ Engineering Leadership Development Program within Product Management. I quickly fell in love with the blend of technical problem‑solving and strategic decision‑making.”
Throughout college, Anna continued interning with Siemens product managers, learning the products, the processes, and—most importantly—the critical role electrical equipment plays in safety. “Understanding how devices like AFCI breakers protect homes and families made the work feel meaningful from the very start,” she said. “From that point forward, I was hooked. I still feel the same passion today for the products I support in the residential business. I love brainstorming new technologies, exploring customer pain points, and finding real‑world problems we can solve through innovation.”
Anna noted how she and her friends often laugh that none of them imagined they’d end up becoming experts in something so niche for our respective industries. “But that’s exactly what keeps me energized—this ‘niche’ has a genuine impact on people’s everyday lives. And being part of that mission continues to inspire me,” she said.
Asked about one of the most significant challenges facing the electrical manufacturing and broader construction industry today, Anna pointed to the accelerating retirement of experienced workers. “So much of the knowledge in our field isn’t found in textbooks or online tutorials—it lives in the minds of people who have spent decades solving problems, working with customers, and understanding products at a deep level,” she explained. “Preserving that expertise through effective talent acquisition, development, and retention is critical. In my role, I’m actively working to support that knowledge transfer and strengthen the next generation of talent. I participate in several Siemens SI leadership development initiatives, serve in the Siemens Emerging Leaders program, and mentor our summer interns each year. Through these efforts, I hope to share the passion I’ve found in this industry with individuals who are just beginning their careers. My goal is to help them build strong networks, gain meaningful experiences, and develop the skills they need to grow—and ultimately to see a long‑term future for themselves in this industry.”
Looking ahead, Anna noted that she’s been “fortunate to work for managers and mentors who invested deeply in my growth, and I want to bring that same level of support to the next generation of professionals joining Siemens. As I look ahead, my goal is to continue growing as a leader—not only in the traditional sense of managing people, but in the broader sense of shaping direction and inspiring collaboration.
“In product management, some of the most meaningful leadership happens horizontally: helping people see the ‘why’ behind the work,” she continued. “I’m intentionally building those skills by taking on stretch assignments, facilitating discussions across teams, and mentoring new employees where I can model the kind of leadership that empowers.”
What would Anna tell someone just entering the industry? “My advice is to take in every opportunity to learn,” she said. “The electrical industry is complex and full of specialized niches. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, stay curious, and seek out learning even beyond your current role. You never know what your next position might be or what knowledge will help you excel down the road. And above all, get excited—because even the ‘small’ things we work on have a huge impact. This industry is literally electrifying the world and keeping people safe. That’s something to be proud of.”
Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with her family and taking her dog, Ziva, out for hikes. “I also enjoy tackling DIY home projects and exploring my creative side through painting,” she added.
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Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tEDmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2026 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
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