The “Her Stories: Adventures in STEM” blog series is a collection of stories about 20 women in science and engineering fields, written by members of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Pre-College Engagement and Support (PCES) Working Group.
In these real-life stories, hear how women launched and grew their careers in science and engineering — often in non-linear or unexpected ways.
These women have experienced a variety of experiences and career paths, and each month, their stories capture the diversity of SWE’s global community of scientists and engineers. Whether you’re just beginning to explore STEM or you’re already well on your journey, we invite you to get inspired by the stories below.
Check back each month to meet a new woman who’s charting her own course in STEM:
NEW: Stephanie Raeman’s STEM Journey: Engineering, Robotics, and a Life of Adaptation
Computer and systems engineer Stephanie Raeman navigated military life, early coding challenges, and classroom robotics to build a fulfilling career in STEM education.
Eshé Pickett: The Computer Scientist Who Built Her Own Community
From coding in a high school pilot class to designing technology that shapes society, Eshé Pickett shows how mentorship and determination can open doors in STEM.
How Maria Palamara Turned Curiosity Into a Lifelong Engineering Adventure
Systems engineer Maria Palamara leveraged persistence and a love of learning to navigate a male-dominated field, earn 12 patents, and ultimately reinvent her career to help others thrive as a mental health counselor.
How Madalyn Nguyen Built Confidence, Community, and a Future in Computer Science
Madalyn Nguyen’s journey from robotics and SWENext to aerospace and technology internships shows how perseverance, mentorship, and self-belief can open doors in STEM.
How Taila Moore McKelvy Turned Inspiration and Tenacity Into an Industrial Engineering Career
From a middle school SWENext Invent It. Build It. event to a career in reliability engineering, Taila Moore McKelvy followed her passion for problem-solving, leadership, and representation in STEM.
Marie Laplante: The Dancing Chemical Engineer Who Reached for the Stars
From twirling in the ballet studio to troubleshooting chemical plants, Marie Laplante has embraced a sense of curiosity and adventure throughout her STEM career.
How Laurie LaPat-Polasko Turned a Love of the Ocean Into a Career Protecting It
From swimming with sharks, to working with Jacques Cousteau, to studying whales in Antarctica, environmental engineer Laurie LaPat-Polasko has built a life around learning and discovery.
How Kathryn Kauffman Found Her Fit in Manufacturing Engineering
From science fairs to quality assurance, Kathryn Kauffman built a STEM career by following her curiosity and leaning into her strengths.
How Amar Dabaja’s Passion for Reading Led Her to Electrical Engineering
After a personal tragedy, electrical engineer Amar Dabaja built a career designing automotive technology that saves lives.
From Tornado Survivor to Aerospace Engineer: Tabitha Crocker’s Journey in STEM
Aerospace engineer Tabitha Crocker proves that persistence, passion, and a love of learning can turn a nonlinear journey into a STEM success story.
How Pamela Cosman Built a Fulfilling Career in Engineering, Academia, and Children’s Books
Distinguished professor Pamela Cosman, Ph.D., proves that engineering can be a path to creativity, confidence, and making a difference.
How Mariel Cisneros Turned Her Childhood Dreams Into an Engineering Career
Senior program manager Mariel Cisneros overcame doubt, imposter syndrome, and Calculus II to build the future of aerospace.
How Romana Carden Found Her Place in Engineering
Component development engineer Romana Carden proves that passion can pave the way to success.
