Latinas are significantly underrepresented in the engineering and technological industries. Despite constituting nearly 18% of the U.S. population, they hold only 2–3% of engineering jobs or degrees [1]. This gap isn’t about lack of talent or ambition — it’s often about lack of visibility. Without clear role models and visible career pathways, many Latinas in STEM struggle to see where they belong. This is where mentorship and networking come in. These two tools open doors to internships, jobs, and leadership opportunities, while reinforcing confidence and sense of belonging in predominantly non-Latinx environments. Research consistently shows that Latina scientists and engineers are more likely to succeed when supported by mentors and strong networks [2].
This blog explores the impact of mentorship and networking, with insights from research studies and practical strategies, designed to help Latinas gain visibility and thrive in engineering.
Representation Matters: Mentorship
Mentorship is more than simply being paired with someone who looks like you — it’s about building genuine, supportive relationships. Studies reveal that students benefit most from psychological similarity, frequent interaction, and emotional encouragement than from demographic match itself [3]. Industry-led initiatives also play a vital role. Programs that combine mentorship with professional development, such as NSF-funded undergraduate research experiences (UREs), increase Latina students’ interest in graduate school and research careers. The impact is especially strong when mentors are culturally competent and invested in their mentees’ growth [4].
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is an international organization leading work that supports women in engineering and technology with a supportive global engineering network. SWE’s Latinos Affinity Group (AG) partners with universities globally, providing a supportive community for Latina engineers to connect with peers and mentors who understand and can guide them in their academic and industry professional journeys. Beyond technical advice, this group offers encouragement rooted in shared identity and experience. If you are interested in STEM and want to connect with a Latina engineer, check out the Affinity Group website.
Other Latinx resources for mentorship programs that are available for you to explore include:
- Latina Engineer
- Latinas in STEM
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and SHPEtinas
- IsaMetUS
Tools for Success: Networking
If mentorship is about guidance, networking is about access. “Networking is a precious tool that helps you meet people who can offer insights, access, and connections, but also, it can lead to jobs, collaboration, and visibility,” shares AG Conference Lead Isabel Peñaloza from personal experience.
Networking is an opportunity to get to know the people who are doing similar things. From internships to leadership opportunities, many doors open not just because of skills, but also due to of connections. Networking expands visibility, creates collaborations, and fosters inspiration — especially important as more Latinas enter engineering and serve as role models for younger generations.
One of the best ways to build these connections is to attend conferences, seminars, and community events. WE25, SWE’s annual conference, held Oct. 23-25, will be a powerful opportunity for Latinas in STEM to connect, innovate, and inspire one another. If you are around, make sure to join the activities hosted by the SWE Latinos AG.
Networking 101
We get it, networking may sometimes feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to. If networking takes you out of your comfort zone, use these cheat codes to improve your skills and make it more approachable and effective:
- Show Up Digitally: Dedicate 20 minutes a week to engage online. Congratulate peers, comment on posts, and share insights to stay visible.
- Own the Room: Attend events with intention. Review attendee lists, pre-connect if possible, and walk in ready to engage.
- Brand Yourself Better: Have a short personal pitch ready. For example: “I’m [role], currently working on [project], which helps [who/what]. I’m passionate about [mission/value].”
- Start With Conversation Openers: Break the ice with purpose. Try: “What brought you here today?” or “What project are you most excited about right now?”
- Follow Up: In the U.S., following up is essential. Send a quick thank-you within hours, reconnect within a few days, and, if valuable, suggest a coffee chat.
Mentorship and networking together are more than professional strategies; they are tools that as Latinas, we must practice and leverage. Remember, every mentorship relationship sparks confidence, and every networking relationship creates visibility. Let’s show up for one another and pave the way for the next generation of Latina engineers around us.
Other networks that offer valuable opportunities for your exploration are: Latinas in Tech, ALPFA, and Latino Leader Network.
You can subscribe to email updates from the AG by logging into your SWE member portal and scrolling to Communication Preferences.
References
[1] https://builtin.com/articles/women-in-tech-workplace-statistics
[2] San Miguel, A. M., & Kim, M. M. (2015). Successful Latina scientists and engineers: Their lived mentoring experiences and career development. Journal of Career Development, 42(2), 133-148.
[3] Morales, D. X., Grineski, S. E., & Collins, T. W. (2021). Effects of mentor–mentee discordance on Latinx undergraduates’ intent to pursue graduate school and research productivity. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1499(1), 54-69.
[4] Pedersen, R. M., Ferguson, C. F., Estrada, M., Schultz, P. W., Woodcock, A., & Hernandez, P. R. (2022). Similarity and contact frequency promote mentorship quality among Hispanic undergraduates in STEM. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 21(2), ar27.
