Left to right attendees: Nathalie Moreno, Katja Beukmann, Lea Scharli, Moritz von der Breite, Jennifer Scott, Femi Adedimeji, Tiffany Noekse, Paris Amy, Carla Bianchini, Karen Horting, Jule Dlugosch, Dee Mannella, Daniela Gross, Inga Urbina, Manishaa Balsubmarian, Maria Namachanja, Salma Alami.
On 5 Dec. 2023, the recently expanded Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Germany Southwest Affiliate hosted an in-person engagement event at its partner office, Keysight Technologies. The afternoon program included intentional networking and a panel discussion on leadership and diversity best practices. This was the affiliate’s first community event, and it was a huge success.
Agenda Highlights:
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- Welcome and introductions from affiliate leadership and SWE Executive Director and CEO Karen Horting.
- Networking bingo facilitated by founding affiliate member, Femi Adedimeji, whereby attendees had 15 minutes to connect and share their experiences in a fun and engaging environment.
- Panel discussion moderated by Karen Horting and panelists Femi Adedimeji, innovation project manager at AVEVA; Nathalie Moreno, process & quality manager at Keysight Technologies and Gauri Naik, manager strategic planning at John Deere. Panelists shared their insights and experiences transforming organizational cultures and climates to embrace diverse perspectives. With a keen focus on inclusivity, panelists shared strategies and best practices for fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
- Closing & reception included remarks from Jennifer Scott, executive vice president, strategic partnerships and events at SWE, followed by a reception with attendees.
“One of the highlights was the panel discussion with the takeaway that there is not one way of looking at diversity and inclusion, but we also need to account for different cultures and, therefore, ways of thinking. What might make sense in one country might be perceived entirely differently in another. That is what resonated most with me.” — Jule Dlugosch
In August 2023, the Rhein Neckar Metropolregion affiliate in Germany broadened its reach in Germany with a collaborative effort to expand the affiliate to southwest Germany — thanks to the teamwork among founding members Anca Eisele, Jule Dlugosch, Paris Amy, Carla Bianchini and Femi Adedimeji. Their first leadership meeting was held in person at Keysight Technologies on 25 Aug., where participants from John Deere, Cummins Europe, AVEVA, Eaton and Keysight Technologies met to network and discuss the future of the affiliate.
To get involved with SWE Germany Southwest Affiliate and its upcoming activities, contact them at germanysw@swe.org.
SWE will be hosting the WE Local conference in Munich on the 25-26 April 2024. Learn more and register on our website.
