One of the most valued member resources offered by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is access to our 20+ affinity groups. These groups bring together members from similar backgrounds, interests, and career stages to support their shared community goals.
The African American Affinity Group (AG) is co-led by Lachelle Conway, technical fellow and human factors engineer and digital accessibility senior manager at Northrop Grumman, and Sharon Kalango, manufacturing executing systems programmer / developer with Knauf Insulations.
Here they share about their experiences being members of the African American AG, their journey as co-leads, and what is in store for the group’s programming this year.
Can You Share Your Journey in Becoming Aware of the African American AG at SWE and Getting Involved With it?
Conway: I first learned about the AG through a Juneteenth event featured in a SWE newsletter. The keynote speaker was Northrop Grumman’s Vice President of Global Corporate Responsibility Sandra Evers-Manly. Seeing a Black woman in such a high-level leadership role within my own company was inspiring. I knew I had to be part of these rare and meaningful opportunities to connect with like-minded women in an industry where representation is limited. Shortly after, I came across a call for volunteers to support the leadership team. That was in FY21, and I jumped at the chance to get involved. Over the years, I have served in various roles, including STEM outreach and mentoring lead, before stepping into my current role as co-lead alongside Sharon. Although I was involved with the SWE Next K-12 programming committee, this AG gave me something even deeper, a true sense of community.
Kalango: My initial experience of the AG was during WE19 in Anaheim, Calif. That was my first time attending a SWE annual conference, and at the time, I was set to graduate from Georgia Southern University. I was still exploring where my career might lead me, and I did not want to give up on the intimate community I had built within my collegiate chapter. Throughout the conference, I met exceptional ladies whose openness and genuineness struck a chord. Their willingness to share their experiences and offer guidance made me eager to join. Our AG represented a perfect opportunity to continue building meaningful connections, both as I transitioned into my professional career and as I sought to contribute to a community that understands and celebrates our unique experiences.
How Has Being a Member Made a Difference in your Life, Both Personally and Professionally?
Conway: Being part of this AG has been transformative. The sisterhood, mentorship, and encouragement are invaluable. Personally, this experience has strengthened my confidence and sense of purpose. Professionally, it has reinforced my commitment to uplifting other women in STEM inside and outside of SWE. As a mother of two daughters, ages 6 and 11, I am invested in showing them that Black women have a place in STEM. With less than 2% of professionals in this field being Black women, I encourage my girls to explore STEM careers. My oldest dreams of becoming a pediatrician or a wildlife biologist, while my youngest calls herself a “princess rockstar scientist,” and I love it!
Kalango: Professionally, the group has been an invaluable resource for expanding my network, connecting me with mentors, and exposing me to industry leaders and peers who offer guidance from their own experiences. This has not only opened doors to opportunities I might have taken longer to discover, it also improved my confidence in speaking in professional spaces. On a personal level, I feel fulfilled knowing that this community is not only a place where I can contribute my experiences, but also one that enriches my journey. As a co-lead, I strive to create an environment where both newcomers and long-time members feel understood and valued.
What Are You Most Proud of as the Co-Lead of This AG?
Conway: I am proud to create a space where Black women in STEM can thrive. Our voices, perspectives, and contributions are essential to the future of innovation, and ensuring that we have the resources, support, and opportunities to succeed is my passion. We provide value at every career stage. We are building a network where Black women can grow, connect, and support one another in reaching our full potential. This AG isn’t just about professional development; it’s about empowerment and advocacy, and leaving a lasting impact.
Kalango: I am most proud of the strong, inclusive community we’ve built and the tangible impact our initiatives have made. I am particularly proud of the “Take a Break” engagement I led in WE23, where we provided snacks and drinks to conference attendees in an effort to recharge and take care of their bodies between sessions and interviews. With much of our programming being virtual, having the opportunity to connect with others in person during the annual conferences is exciting, which is why we plan to have another strong presence this year at WE25.
What Events/Programming Can Members Look Forward to in 2025?
Conway: We kicked off the year with two dynamic mentoring events — Mentoring 101 and Speed Mentoring — to help members build strong mentorship relationships and sharpen their networking skills. Members can look forward to our Career Fair 101 sessions, where we will share strategies for navigating career fairs with confidence. Our annual Juneteenth event, “Where My Journey with AAAG Began,” will be a powerful celebration of our history, achievements, and future in STEM. Additionally, we will kick off quarterly all-member sessions to keep our community engaged, supported, and connected.
Kalango: Our new mentoring cohort launches March 2025. This three-month cycle connects mentors and mentees based on shared interests, fostering stronger bonds within our community. We aim to facilitate meaningful discussions on goal setting, overcoming challenges, and professional growth. We encourage our members to complete the interest survey and join the kickoff meeting on March 12, when we’ll outline the journey ahead and provide resources to ensure mentors and mentees thrive.
Conway and Kalango are excited about ushering in new leaders for FY26, so if you are looking for an opportunity to make an impact and be part of something meaningful, reach out to africanamerican_ag@swe.com
They welcome ideas on improving as a community and the resources or programming they can provide. Connect with them and other AG members on social media and sign up for the next event!
