On a momentous evening filled with excitement and pride, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) gathered to celebrate the 2024 Board and look forward to a promising future.
The event highlighted the remarkable journey of SWE over the past 73 years and celebrated its vibrant global community of women engineers and allies, united by a common goal of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B).
SWE hosted an inspiring installation ceremony for the FY24 Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. The event marked 73 years of empowering women in engineering and technology and showcased the global community’s unwavering commitment to DEI&B.
The FY24 Installation of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees was held Thursday, August 10th in Washington, D.C.. The evening commenced with a warm reception, setting the stage for an exciting celebration.
Karen Horting, SWE’s Executive Director & CEO, took the stage, expressing gratitude for the organization’s remarkable journey over the decades. With immense pride and admiration, she looked back on the achievements of SWE since its inception almost 75 years ago.
The organization’s journey has been marked by empowering women in engineering at every stage of their careers, from grade school to retirement. Karen Horting proudly announced that SWE’s worldwide community had surpassed the 46,000-member milestone, a testament to the invaluable impact of SWE’s membership and the powerful force it represents.
Horting took a moment to acknowledge the crucial support from the staff, volunteer leaders, sister organizations, and corporate partners that makes SWE’s mission a reality. With excitement building for the year ahead, she introduced the new FY24 President, Alexis McKittrick, and her theme for the term, “Live Without Limits,” which will infuse the work of SWE in the coming year.
The ceremony continued with the recognition of past SWE Presidents, a distinguished group of women who have steered the organization with vision and determination. Rachel Morford, FY22 SWE President, presented symbols of appreciation to the outgoing FY23 President, Dayna Johnson. The President’s gavel, a bound set of SWE magazines, and a pin were all presented as cherished mementos of Dayna’s dedicated service to SWE.
Next came the installation of the FY24 Board of Directors, who were entrusted with the critical responsibility of managing SWE’s operations and external representation. The board members, including the President-Elect Karen Roth, Secretary Kaitlyn J. Bunker, Treasurer Dianne Beever, five Directors, the Speaker of the Senate Kristine E. Barnes, and the Collegiate Director Vidhya Thiyagarajan, pledged to carry out their duties diligently and uphold the trust placed in them by the membership.
The ceremony then shifted to the installation of the FY24 Board of Trustees. Eight SWE members were elected to serve staggered three-year terms, and their fiduciary responsibility was to manage SWE’s endowed funds. Janis Mantini, the Board of Trustees Chair, led the new Trustees in taking their oath to perform their duties with care, loyalty, and obedience, ensuring the organization’s financial stability.
In a touching moment, FY24 President Alexis McKittrick’s daughters took the stage to share heartfelt remarks. Their presence reminded everyone of the importance of supporting and inspiring the next generation of women in engineering.
The installation ceremony was a celebration of SWE’s extraordinary achievements and a testament to the enduring commitment to empowering women in engineering and technology.
With the FY24 Board of Directors and Board of Trustees leading the way, SWE embarks on a new chapter filled with hope, dedication, and the pursuit of limitless possibilities. As the Society continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to create a diverse, inclusive, and thriving community that propels women engineers towards excellence and success.
Learn more about the FY24 Board of Directors here.
Learn more about the FY24 Board of Trustees here.
Find more photos from the event in our Flickr Album.
