What is the DisAbility Inclusion Affinity Group?
The DisAbility Inclusion Affinity Group (DIAG) seeks to connect members for the purpose of peer mentoring, professional development, and sharing of best practices relating to navigating a successful career as a disabled person, caregiver, or ally. This AG plans to connect members with similar backgrounds and interests for the purpose of promoting disability inclusion and to grow a community of engineers with disabilities and allies with the goal of empowering members, supporting them to be successful, and championing disability inclusion. Membership in any SWE affinity group is open to all SWE members interested in participating.
The DIAG is headed by lead Jenevieve Surkin (she/her) and lead-elect Haylee Mota (she/her). Jenevieve is a researcher at the University of Michigan, studying neuroprosthetics, and is an aspiring physician-scientist. Jenevieve enjoys English country dancing and spending time with her golden retriever, S.C. (Second Chance). Haylee is a recent mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Southern California. She has a background in experimental methods and a strong interest in aerospace research and test engineering. Haylee enjoys taking hikes in the Colorado mountains with her golden retriever, Nicky.
What are your goals for the affinity group?
Jenevieve: During my tenure as lead, I hope to strengthen the DIAG’s connections with other SWE sections, especially collegiate sections. The transition from high school to postsecondary education can be challenging for students with disabilities, and similar challenges arise when entering the workforce or graduate programs. By creating collegiate representative positions on DIAG, we can help demystify the accommodations process, share strategies for self-advocacy, and provide support during these key transitions. I also want to continue a goal introduced by Angelie Vincent, DIAG’s co-founder — establishing a support network for caregivers with professional and personal responsibilities who often lack formal support. Building this foundation within the DIAG is a key priority for our leadership team this year.
Haylee: One of my biggest goals is to start a DIAG mentorship program. I want younger engineers who are still in college or who are just starting their careers to have access to mentors with disabilities who can offer guidance and help them navigate the challenges of being a disabled engineer.
What are some of the biggest challenges or barriers you see in engineering for people with disabilities?
Haylee: I’d say the biggest challenge I see in engineering for people with disabilities is overcoming the stigma that comes with having a disability. A lot of the time, people hear the word “disability” and immediately think of limitations instead of recognizing the different strengths and perspectives that we bring. That kind of thinking can lead to alienation or discrimination, even when it’s unintentional. I think the more we share our experiences and talk openly about disability, the more those assumptions will start to change.
Jenevieve: In my experience in engineering, one of the biggest challenges is a lack of awareness and understanding about disabilities. People don’t always recognize the full scope of challenges that come with having a disability. Efforts to make engineering accessible are often minimal, leaving people to navigate a maze of advocacy across academic, administrative, and physical barriers. These gaps may seem small, but they add up. Accommodations are not “benefits” or “add-ons” — they are essential to leveling the playing field. I’m grateful for the support available and the opportunity to advocate, even as more work is needed to ensure seamless access to support for people in school, the workplace, and beyond.
Why do you think DIAG is important?
Jenevieve: The DIAG is a space where differences are respected and valued, and where disabled engineers can find support and understanding. Joining the DIAG opened my eyes to the challenges and opportunities in the disability space, and I found guidance and validation for experiences I didn’t know how to navigate. We celebrate each other’s successes, share in our struggles, and lift each other up. The DIAG is important because it creates a foundation for accessibility and connection that extends into the daily lives of our members and their everyday communities.
Haylee: I think the DIAG is important because it creates a space where disabled engineers can share experiences and support each other. Having that community makes it easier to talk about challenges unique to disabled engineers. It’s also a place where we can advocate for accessibility and inclusion both within SWE and the broader engineering community.
Meet the rest of the DIAG Team
Megan Fahrenkamp, Awards Lead
- What type of engineering are you interested in? Chemical, materials science, and aerospace.
- What are your hobbies? My hobbies include reading, cooking and baking, watching true crime documentaries, listening to podcasts, and listening to live music.
Julie Lynch, Marketing Lead
- What type of engineering are you interested in? Chemical engineering, especially bioprocess engineering! I’m also interested in pharmacovigilance.
- What are your hobbies? Puzzles, arts & crafts, and volunteering at STEM events for kids
Isabel Miller, Academic Committee Lead
- What type of engineering are you interested in? Biomedical engineering and engineering education
- What are your hobbies? Painting, crocheting, and baking
Christina St Pierre, Mentorship & Strategy Lead
- What type of engineering are you interested in? Electrical and process engineering
- What are your hobbies? folding origami, knitting, and supporting the NY Giants
To join a supportive community of disabled engineers, feel free to get connected with the DIAG by visiting our Linktree.
