In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, SWE will be highlighting Latinx/Hispanic women engineers and entrepreneurs in a series of blog posts.
Meet and learn about three SWEesters in SWE’s Latinos Affinity Group: Yareni Lara-Rodriguez, Catherine Wegner, Francine Reyes Vega
Yareni Lara-Rodriguez
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degrees/Certifications: Master in Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.
Current Job/Title: Doctoral Student focused in bioengineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.
Hobbies: Coloring and Journaling
Connection to the AG: Serving as a Mentoring Lead FY21 and Collaborator of the GradSWE Affinity and Inclusion Team. Graduate member of the Puerto Rico SWE section.
Other information: Yareni is a proud Mexican citizen and is currently participating in the SWE Advanced Leadership and Development Program!
What does being Latina/Hispanic/an ally mean to you?
“To share in the globe the culture and traditions of Latinos and Hispanics.”
Catherine Wegner
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Minor in Mechanical engineering
Current Job/Title: Senior Software Engineer
Hobbies: Running, swimming, biking, walking/hiking with my husband and dog, and learning to cross-country ski
Connection to the Latinos AG: Panamanian American Member of SWE
What does being Latina/Hispanic/an ally mean to you?
“It means being proud of my heritage and finding inspiration in those that defy stereotypes and stand up to barriers in any industry. It also means working to improve my Spanish!”
Francine Reyes Vega
Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Current Job/Title: Mechanical Engineer at Logistic Services International
Hobbies: Traveling to new places, visiting museums, trying new foods, spoiling my cat, Pepperoni; and as a tropical island native I try to visit the beach as much as possible. I am very passionate about pottery and ceramics, and I dream about owning a pottery studio in the future.
Connection to Latinos AG: SWE member since 2013
Other info: Recipient of SWE Outstanding Collegiate Member Award, 2018
What does being Latina/Hispanic/an ally mean to you?
“For me, being Hispanic and Latina means not having one single root, but many, coming from different places. This mix of roots is a mix of cultures, languages, history, beliefs and traditions, resulting in a strong bond with a diverse and amazing group of people who will always be connected. Our connection with the past is strong and we respect and embrace it.”
Related Content:
- Hispanic Heritage Month Member Spotlight #2
- Hispanic Heritage Month Member Spotlight #1
- Ways YOU Can Help in the Latinx/Hispanic Community!
