SWE Diverse Podcast Ep 283: Latinas and Allies Working Together to Advance STEM Representation

Learn how to become a stronger ally to the Latina community in STEM in this conversation with the SWE Latinos Affinity Group on Diverse: a SWE podcast!
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In this episode, Helly Torres, Hispanic Heritage Month lead of the SWE Latinos Affinity Group, speaks with Sunita Lavin, a dedicated ally and SWE Latinos AG member, about the critical role of allyship in advancing Latinas in STEM.

Torres explores findings from a recent “Lean In” report, which reveals that Latinas remain underrepresented in engineering and tech, especially in leadership roles. Lavin shares her personal journey as an ally and offers insights into how mentorship, advocacy, and a mindset of curiosity can bridge cultures and drive meaningful change.

Listen to the episode on SWE’s website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Resources

Speaker: Sunita Lavin, Member, SWE Latinos Affinity Group

Sunita Lavin headshot
Sunita Lavin

Sunita Lavin is an assistant department manager within the Transmission & Distribution division at Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City. Her career has spanned distinct roles, industries, and companies: from technical to project management to people management; from avionics to IT to telecommunications; and from Garmin to Burns & McDonnell.

Lavin is an active leader in the SWE and is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B). She has helped establish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at both companies she’s worked for, she is an ally for Latinas through SWE’s Latinos Affinity Group (AG), and she is a member of the SWE Asian Connections AG.

Lavin has a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, a master’s degree in electrical engineering, and an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She’s married to her husband, Peter, and they have a teenage foster daughter and two bunnies.

Host: Helly Torres, Hispanic Heritage Month Lead, SWE Latinos Affinity Group

Helly Torres headshot
Helly Torres

Helly Torres is a dynamic Latina leader at HP, where she combines her engineering expertise with a passion for empowering others.

As co-founder of a women’s nonprofit alongside her best friend Meghna G., Torres is committed to fostering personal development and creating a supportive community for women. She prides herself on being resilient, genuine, and a worldshaker — qualities that drive her to advocate for meaningful change.

With a focus on growing people and championing continuous learning, Torres believes in the power of positivity and perspective. Her journey is marked by grit and determination, as she navigates challenges with an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Torres’s inspiring leadership reflects her dedication to uplifting others and her vision for a more equitable future.


Diverse: a SWE podcast has been recognized as a top women in STEM podcast and a top engineering podcast!

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