Since International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) was first celebrated a little over a decade ago, it has grown to a worldwide celebration of not only highlighting women engineers and their achievements through time, but also working together to support women engineers everywhere and nurturing their interests in all associated areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
At the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), this annual celebration is observed every day through connections within the SWE community and in collaboration with the many joint member organizations that extend their support to women in STEM globally. Hear from some of these members about their membership experience and how their community and connections have helped them in their engineering journey over the past year.
“SWE has significantly impacted me both professionally and professionally. I’ve facilitated connections between industry professionals and female students in STEM through a mentorship program, fostering growth and inspiration. Additionally, I utilized a professional development grant to run a program for early childhood teachers, emphasizing the importance of STEM education in early learning and equipping them with effective teaching strategies. The SWE mentorship program has also provided me with valuable connections and mentors, guiding my career path and personal growth. Overall, SWE has empowered me to contribute to the STEM community while advancing my own professional journey.”
— Davida Gondohusodo, Project Manager, The Boeing Company. SWE professional member since 1999, Indonesia.
“Hosting Women in Manufacturing’s (WiM) first international women’s networking event in Monterrey, 
Mexico, was a transformative experience. Personally, it empowered me through meaningful connections with inspiring women. Professionally, it allowed me to lead a high-impact initiative and discover that true success began in the journey — working hand in hand with remarkable women was already a meaningful achievement, even before the event took place. Witnessing the impact of shared stories and collective energy was deeply moving. This journey led me to pursue and earn the role of Deputy Director of the WiM Committee at Index Nuevo León (the main manufacturing association in Mexico). WiM gave me clarity, confidence, and a renewed drive to keep advancing this amazing cause.”
— Blanca Morales, Learning & Development Superintendent, AFL Mexico. WiM member since October 2021, Mexico.
“Since 2018, SWE has become my best companion to support my professional and personal evolution. I feel so grateful for the empowerment and wisdom I’ve received from all the SWE resources that have helped me make big decisions with unprecedented personal confidence. As a SWE global ambassador, it has been my pleasure to share the SWE mission and vision with the other 50 women and allies in the SWE affiliate in San Luis Potosí, México. We meet twice a month to share relevant content about DEI in STEM and its positive impact.”
— Fernanda Infante, Cummins, Inc., Cummins Ambassador in SLP. SWE professional member for seven years, Mexico.
“SASE, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, has significantly enriched both my professional and 
personal growth. Through helping plan the 2024 SASE Pro National Convention, I was able to enjoy working with a high-performing, passionate team. It helped me realize the thrilling possibility of succeeding together as a team and completing fulfilling work. Most importantly, I was able to forge meaningful relationships that transcended the professional space and helped me personally connect with my local community. I deeply cherish and am extremely grateful for all the opportunities open to me — I look forward to continuing supporting SASE’s growth!”
— Meghan Pfeifer, Process Engineering, Worley. SASE member since 2017 and SASE pro volunteer since 2024, USA.
“SWE has significantly contributed to both my professional growth and personal empowerment. Through its webinars and global community, I’ve gained deeper insights into leadership in STEM. SWE’s network has allowed me to connect with fellow innovators and mentors across continents, which helped shape some of the programs at the SWENext Club I lead locally. On a personal level, SWE has reinforced my confidence as a woman in a technical field and strengthened my belief in the power of collaboration to drive inclusive innovation.”
— Stella Uzochukwu-Denis, Program Director, Odyssey Educational Foundation. SWE professional member for 10 years, Nigeria.
“As a first-generation Guatemalan student, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) helped me 
find a wonderful community and build strong relationships. Coming into college, I lacked professionalism, but quickly grew by attending SHPE meetings. SHPE has opened many doors for me through attending the National Convention. I was able to participate in a summer leadership program with Procter & Gamble and am now interning at GE Aerospace. Alongside these opportunities, I have also received financial support through ScholarSHPE. SHPE doesn’t just offer professional development, it provides unwavering support to Latinas like me who are pursuing careers in engineering and STEM.” –
— Shaily Quiroa Gamez, University of Rhode Island (Engines Engineering intern @ GE Aerospace), SHPE member since 2023, USA.
“SWE has connected me with incredible women in engineering whose stories of resilience and achievement continue to inspire me. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to help grow and strengthen this community locally as president of SWE Toronto. Leading our section has deepened my leadership skills, especially in organizing events, fostering collaboration, and supporting members in their professional journeys. SWE has not only expanded my network, but also empowered me to be a more confident and effective leader committed to advancing women in engineering.”
— Elizabeth Maggs, Environmental Consultant, Ramboll. SWE professional member for two years, Canada.
“AISES has helped me build out my network of fellow Native STEM professionals, which I have tapped into for support, catharsis, and inspiration. I’ve made lifelong friendships, shared coping skills, hired new colleagues, mentored some young and upcoming engineers, and hired guest speakers on global webinars. In the past 12 months, I’ve hired a brilliant colleague to join my team as well and a motivated undergraduate intern. I also attended the amazing Rematriation cohort in San Francisco, which was critical for my career growth. AISES provides a cultural lifeline to Native STEM professionals.”
— Jennifer Bennett, Communications & Engagement Business Unit Leader – Transportation, Arcadis. American Indian Science and Engineering Society professional member since 2015, USA.
“Steve Jobs once said, ‘You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.’ Reflecting on my journey, one constant beacon has been SWE — a lighthouse guiding me to build collaborations through the lens of the ‘All Together’ global perspective. From the people I’ve met to the places where meaningful relationships have taken root, each connection has mattered. With my deepest appreciation, I share this tribute: SWE uplifts women, connects like-minded men, and fosters inclusion and sustainability — SWE makes everyone feel like home.”
— Victoria Tsai, Sales Executive, ChemReady Pte Ltd., and Global Sourcing Director, Talisman International Ltd., SWE global professional member since 2021, Taiwan.
“Over the last year, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) has been instrumental in my professional 
growth. Serving in national leadership sharpened my project management, communication, financial acumen and strategic planning skills. I’ve learned how to lead cross-functional teams, navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, and drive sustainable initiatives while maintaining timelines. Through hosting workshops, facilitating trainings, and planning society-wide conferences, I strengthened my public speaking and leadership presence. NSBE also expanded my professional network, connecting me with mentors and industry leaders who’ve supported my career journey. Overall, NSBE has empowered me with the tools, confidence, and community to thrive professionally and lead with purpose.”
— Kendall Flores, Enabling Tech & Robotics Project Leader, Johnson & Johnson. NSBE member for six years (five collegiate, one professional) and 2024-2025 NSBE National Leadership Institute Chairperson.
“In 2024, I had the honor of attending the WE24 Conference in Chicago, where I received the SWE Ignite Award and finally met friends from different regions — people I had collaborated with for years on SWE initiatives but had only interacted with online until then. To me, SWE is an incredibly valuable platform for building meaningful friendships with passionate individuals who share similar interests. These connections have helped bridge the gap between me and the wider world, inspiring me to aim higher in both my career and personal growth.”
— Wei Zhu, Platform Design Leader and SWE Wuxi affiliate leader, Cummins Inc., SWE member for eight years and SWE ambassador for three years, China.
Visit the membership page to learn more about membership options available with SWE and our joint member organizations and be sure to register for the WE25 Annual Conference this October in New Orleans.
