Beginning September 20, 2023, you can submit an application to formally launch a new SWE Affinity Group (AG.) AG leaders are available year-round to help members develop their ideas for the launch of a new AG. To prepare for application and launch of a new AG, groups should identify their leadership, goals and mission (aligned with SWE and Affinity Groups) and have critical mass and strong interest for long-term sustainability of the group. Applicants should review the mission of the current Affinity Groups to determine if their membership and mission is encompassed within an existing group. The first year of the new Affinity Group will be used to onboard the leadership, build the community and further define the mission and goals.
Application information for proposing a new SWE Affinity Group includes:
- A description of the group’s membership
- Potential number of interested SWE members to join the Affinity Group, with identification of a minimum of ten interested members
- Reason for requesting the Affinity Group
- Identification of the type of Affinity Group: DEI, BI or CS (outlined below)
- Description of how the proposed Affinity Group promotes the SWE Core Values
- A proposal for lead(s)/champion(s)/sponsor(s) for the first year
Review the application. The completed application should be emailed to affinitygroups@swe.org by November 10, 2023.
The Affinity Group applications will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the Affinity Group committee using the approved process. Selected new Affinity Groups will then be submitted for approval by the SWE Board of Directors, followed by applicant notifications in January 2024 and AG announcements and formation in February 2024. Any questions regarding the Affinity Groups or the creation of new Affinity Groups can be sent to affinitygroups@swe.org.
Thank you for your interest and continued support of the Affinity Groups!
What Are SWE AGs?
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Affinity Groups (AGs) are communities of individuals who share the same interests and goals. These groups help build community, provide professional development opportunities and empower and celebrate women from different paths of life. SWE has 21 Affinity Groups that fall under three categories:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
SWE’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) AGs were formed to generally align with protected classes under the US Federal anti-discrimination law. These AGs focus on the professional needs of social minority populations and support programs tailored to serve these communities.
- African-American
- Asian Connections
- DisAbility Inclusion
- HeForSWE
- Indigenous Peoples
- Latinos
- LGBTQ+ and Allies
- Military & Veterans
Business and Interests
SWE’s Business and Interests (BI) AGs are communities focused on professional, social and networking opportunities around common interests. The focus of these AGs is generally centered around the members’ business environment, business interests and experiences.
- Entrepreneurs
- Global Women Engineers
- SWE Members in Small Businesses
- Technical Career Path
- Public Policy
- SWE Athletes
- Women in Government
Career Stages
Career Stages AGs are focused on the different stages of the work lives of our members. These AGs align members that are at the same stage in their career.
- Community Colleges
- First-Generation Students and Professionals
- GradSWE Community
- Early Career Professionals
- Mid-Career Professionals
- Late Career and Retiree
