SALT LAKE CITY — At the start of World War II, the U.S. military enlisted thousands of men. That left America's industries with gaping holes and the need for women to take on those responsibilities.

Cecilia Paderewski's unique skills made her a pioneer in a field traditionally reserved for men. Paderewski, known as CeeCee, became one of the first females in the field of aircraft design. She didn't just fall into it. She graduated from UC-Berkeley with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Design.

"She wanted to put forth an effort for World War II, and her effort was to help in design in the bombers, which were the B-24s and also with the C-39s," said daughter Coleen Paderewski.

But, even with her specialized education, CeeCee still resorted to working as a staff artist at Fox Movie Studios, creating backdrops and artwork, according to Coleen.

While working the movies, she made friends including Humphrey Bogart, Shirley Temple, Charlie Chaplin and Jean Harlow.

As the war intensified in 1941 and her brothers became more involved with the war effort, CeeCee found a job with Consolidated Aircraft where she helped with cockpit instruments, fuselage and the heating and cooling of the planes.

Related:

Utah women excel in small business

The number of businesses in Utah owned by women outpaced the national average in 2011, and the gains in revenues from those businesses were far above those seen in other areas of the country. But despite important gains, statistics for women still lag behind men in many areas, including gaining access to the highest levels of success.

"At that time, there didn't exist anything for heating and cooling," her daughter said. "She was instrumental in making sure there was proper venting, because it could be extremely hot or extremely cold when flying."

With an influx of women workers, many business ran into some challenges. One challenge was very unique for CeeCee.

"They didn't even have women's restrooms because there were no other women, and so she had a restroom just for herself," Coleen said.

Even though Paderewski was the only woman design engineer in the United States for the B-24s and C-39s, there is one thing she never wanted to do.

"She always admired the planes," he daughter said. She had been in the cockpits, but she just had no inclination of flying."

CeeCee moved to Salt Lake City in her golden years to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She has been a role model for her family and a true pioneer for women in the aviation industry.

"It's just important for women to think beyond the box and do what you think is helpful and constructive and beneficial," Coleen said. "Not only to your family, but also to other people in the world."

Video contributing: Pat Duran

Related topics