Meet Haneyya S, a high school student-athlete from Pakistan with a strong passion for physics, mathematics, engineering, and human biology. She has her sights set on an engineering degree in biomedical or mechanical engineering, driven by her interest in medicine, sports, automobiles, and data analysis. While her research focus has been on physics and engineering, she’s also enthusiastic about sports science.
Her leisurely pursuits include jewelry making, playing basketball, and exploring the interiors of cars. “I’m a huge car enthusiast and an even bigger fan of car styling; decals, paint, and the overall look of a car really excite me,” she says. “I’m fascinated by the engineering side — how engines are made, how we can fine-tune performance, and how every small adjustment affects the way a car runs. Those are the kinds of questions that pull me in.”
“I joined SWENext to become a part of SWE before entering college, especially since I didn’t have access to any women-specific, STEM-focused communities in my hometown.”
The SWENext Experience
Haneyya first learned about the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) while researching colleges and building her application list.
“As a brown girl in STEM and sports, I’m ambitious about pursuing both fields at the highest level. I joined SWENext to become a part of SWE before entering college, especially since I didn’t have access to any women-specific, STEM-focused communities in my hometown. I noticed almost every U.S. college had a SWE section, which made me curious enough to check out the website. That’s when I discovered the SWENext Influencer program, and I applied just for fun. A few weeks later, I got the exciting news that I was accepted!”
Since then, Haneyya has tried to stay actively involved and connected via SWE’s website and sharing opportunities and content through her LinkedIn profile. Some of the SWE Diverse podcast episodes she highlights are Columbia SWE members Eden Katz and Lauren Grae speaking about building confidence in academic spaces and creating room for others to do the same, Denise Grazielle Cruz and Maeliz Colon whose community college experiences show how ambition can reshape the future of STEM, and the discussion featuring Theresa Cummings, a mechanical engineer and CEO, on overcoming stereotypes and using emotional intelligence to thrive in technical environments.
“By sharing stories like these, I try to make my profile a space for learning, encouragement, and inspiration, all while continuing to learn myself!”
Community and Connection
For others who want to stay connected to SWE irrespective of their geographic location, Haneyya has a few tips. “The most helpful ways for me have been through YouTube, Instagram, and especially the newsletters, so if you’re looking to stay connected, I highly recommend subscribing to those! Being in a different time zone, I often miss live sessions, so recorded content has been the real MVP.”
SWE’s YouTube channel has been the most valuable resource for her, teaching her about real engineering journeys. “My personal favorite is the collegiate or engineering panel discussions. They really helped me understand what the next four or five years as an engineering student might look like and how to prepare for them.”
One such was the Reporting From College: Collegiate Panel Discussion featuring Jocelyn Mata, who spoke about how she chose her college and how she balances work and life during school.
“This really stood out to me because I know engineering can be challenging, even if you love it. Since I’ve never left my city in 17 years, I can only imagine how overwhelming it might feel to move to a completely new country where even the one familiar thing — engineering — would eventually become a challenge. Listening to her explain the factors that mattered in her decision such as accessibility, room and board, vouchers, and scholarships opened my eyes.”
The SWE Advantage
For an international student like Haneyya, that perspective was a gamechanger when thinking about U.S. schools.
“I never considered that schools outside the top tier might be a better fit for me. That panel was the first time I really understood what people mean when they say ‘fit’ matters in college admissions. It’s not only about whether you’re a fit for the college, but also whether the college is the right fit for you. That has since become one of the most important questions I ask myself as I prepare for the application process.”
While she has been able to participate in many virtual programs, Haneyya wishes she had more opportunities for hands-on, expert-guided experiences.
“Engineering is something you truly understand when you’re using your hands, building, experimenting, and testing. That kind of exposure would not only strengthen my skills, but also help me narrow down my interests. I’m drawn to both biomedical and mechanical engineering, but deciding between the two feels difficult without practical experience. More hands-on opportunities would help students like me explore different fields in a meaningful way.”
“Getting an engineering degree can sometimes feel isolating, but with SWE, I know I won’t be alone. Becoming part of this community means having an instant network of peers who share similar experiences, challenges, and goals.”
Looking Ahead
Being part of SWE helps Haneyya feel connected to a global network of supportive, inspiring women in STEM from across the world.
“It’s shown me that no matter where you live, you can still access mentorship, community, and opportunity. I’m grateful to be part of a space that uplifts and equips young women like me to thrive in engineering. I hope to contribute as a college student as well!”
With her sights set on college next, she believes a Collegiate-to-Career (C2C) membership will be valuable.
“Getting an engineering degree can sometimes feel isolating, but with SWE, I know I won’t be alone. Becoming part of this community means having an instant network of peers who share similar experiences, challenges, and goals. Many members credit joining SWE in college as the reason they not only stayed in their STEM programs but also thrived, and I want to give myself that same support system.”
Want to start or join a SWENext Club? Find out if there is a SWENext Club near you or contact outreach@swe.org.
