On the evening of July 26, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Chennai Affiliate hosted an unforgettable annual awards ceremony celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in engineering. The event was a delightful blend of inspiration, recognition, and camaraderie, guided by Vidhya Prabhu, communication chair, whose charisma and wit ensured an engaging and lively atmosphere.
Nandhini Ravi, vice president of outreach, delivered a compelling presentation that illuminated the year’s remarkable achievements, showcasing the significant strides made by women in engineering within the affiliate. Her palpable enthusiasm and pride reflected the collective success of the community.
The keynote address by Mr. Bhuvan Anandkrishnan, vice president & country manager for Caterpillar India, was both enlightening and inspiring. His engaging talk, infused with humor, highlighted the increasing presence of women in core engineering fields and emphasized Caterpillar’s dedication to hiring women from these disciplines. This commitment was echoed by representatives from Bechtel and Kyndryl, who shared their own efforts to enhance female representation in their organizations.
Mr. Dhinakar Jacob from Capgemini offered a thought-provoking perspective on expanding recruitment efforts to include talent from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. His insights underscored a broader commitment to inclusivity and the importance of reaching diverse talent pools.
A poignant moment of the evening was the leadership transition within the Chennai Affiliate. Saranya Somu of Emerson gracefully handed over the reins to Jagadeeshwari Krishnamoorthy of Capgemini, marking a new chapter for the affiliate. Both leaders were celebrated for their unwavering dedication and service.
Sadhana Vashisht, vice president of awards & recognitions, unveiled the winners of two prestigious categories, who took to the stage to share their heartfelt gratitude and personal stories. Their narratives were a powerful testament to the dedication and resilience of women in engineering.
The event concluded with a recognition of affiliate organizations and a delightful dinner, creating an opportunity for networking and celebration. The SWE Chennai Affiliate Annual Awards 2024 not only celebrated past achievements but also set a hopeful and inspiring tone for future endeavors.
A heartfelt thank you to the SWE India core team, Aishwarya Vijay and Paul Robichaud, whose invaluable support made this event a spectacular success, and congratulations to the award winners:
Chennai Affiliate Distinguished Member Award
Nancy Roselin, Zuora
Sakthi Birundha C, Caterpillar
Chennai Affiliate Emerging Leader Award
Sowmya Karthikeyan, Caterpillar
Sivasankari Chandran, Emerson
