The Women in Government Affinity Group, a vibrant community within the Society of Women Engineers, has been leading the charge in empowering women professionals and promoting these values. Over the past year, the group organized a series of engaging events, ranging from providing guidance for a national conference to exploring the significance of DEI&B, celebrating Women’s History Month, and advocating for sustainable infrastructure. Let’s take a closer look at these impactful meeting topics that have made a difference in the lives of women in the field.
Highlights of Our Past Year
Our October Topic was Maximizing the National WE22 Conference
The Women in Government Affinity Group kicked off the year by offering valuable advice to its members on how to make the most of the national WE22 conference. Recognizing the significance of such events in career advancement, the group provided guidance on networking, navigating sessions, and leveraging opportunities to build meaningful connections. By empowering their members with valuable insights, the group ensured that attendees were well-prepared to optimize their conference experience.
Our key insights for maximizing conference experiences:
- Maximize through participation: Engage actively in various conference activities, such as attending sessions, participating in workshops, networking with peers and industry professionals, and joining interactive discussions.
- Set goals ahead of time: Prior to the conference, establish clear objectives you wish to achieve, whether it’s expanding your professional network, gaining new knowledge in specific areas, or exploring potential career opportunities.
- Plan your agenda: Create a well-structured schedule by reviewing the conference program in advance. Identify the sessions, workshops, and events that align with your goals and interests, ensuring that you make the most of your time and opportunities at the conference.
- Polish your elevator pitch: Take the time to refine and practice a concise and compelling introduction that effectively showcases your expertise and interests.
In November, We Took a Deep Dive into Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B)
Understanding the importance of DEI&B in engineering and technology, the Women in Government Affinity Group dedicated November to explore this critical topic. The discussions focused on embracing DEI&B as an integral part of our work rather than a separate initiative. They highlighted that inclusive thinking and diverse teams lead to greater innovation and improved business performance. The group acknowledged that DEI&B is a continuous journey and encouraged members at all stages to embark on this transformative process.
In March, During Women’s History Month, We Celebrated Women Leaders in STEM
Women’s History Month served as an opportune time to recognize the remarkable achievements of women leaders in STEM fields. The Women in Government Affinity Group paid tribute to iconic figures such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, highlighting their contributions and lasting impact. By emphasizing the importance of women leaders, the group inspired its members to strive for excellence and break barriers in their own careers. Celebrating these trailblazers showcased the incredible potential and influence of women in shaping organizations and society as a whole.
In April, We Focused on Environmental Concerns With Guest Speaker Tiffany Reed-Villarreal
In alignment with the growing emphasis on sustainability, the Women in Government Affinity Group invited Tiffany Reed-Villarreal, City Council member for Aledo, TX as a guest speaker during Environmental Month. Tiffany shared insights on sustainable infrastructure and the role of Envision, shedding light on the intersection of engineering and environmental responsibility.
The Women in Government Affinity Group, a dedicated community within the Society of Women Engineers, has made a significant impact in empowering women professionals this past year. As we continue to inspire and uplift women in engineering, we have planned an exciting lineup of upcoming topics for the next year, including cybersecurity, mindfulness, and a diverse array of guest speakers! Do any of these topics interest you? Please send a message at womeningov.ag@swe.org or join our Facebook news feed to get engaged. You can also subscribe to our AG’s updates by logging into your member portal and editing your Communication Preferences.
