Did you know that Nov. 8 is National First-Generation Celebration Day in the United States?
This significant day honors the success and resilience of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff across the nation.
In celebration of this day, we at the SWE First-Generation Students and Professionals Affinity Group recognize the historical importance of the legislation that opened doors and, more importantly, the incredible determination, grit, and pioneering spirit of every individual who has navigated the complexities of being the first generation in many different forms without a roadmap.
It’s a day to:
- Celebrate Identity: Acknowledge the unique strengths and perspectives that first-generation students and professionals bring to the table. You are charting a path that no one in your immediate family has navigated before. Be proud of your journey and where you stand today.
- Promote Awareness: By educating the wider community about the unique challenges first-generation individuals overcome, we highlight the valuable, practical perspectives they bring — perspectives rooted in diverse life experiences that profoundly enrich both academic and professional settings.
The work of the SWE First-Generation Students and Professionals Affinity Group is more than just a list of programs; it is an enduring commitment to transformation. This affinity group is deeply committed to not only supporting its current members, but also expanding its reach to ensure first-generation voices are fully integrated into the fabric of SWE.
We actively build this community through engaging events like our gatherings at WE Local events and SWE’s annual conferences, creating a professional development series, and celebrating our members’ journeys through our SWEet Successes. We are diligently working to cultivate a welcoming space for members and allies to connect, express themselves, and grow their skills together.
As we look ahead, we invite all first-generation students and professionals, alongside our dedicated allies, to join this journey. By working together, we ensure that the next generation of engineers — no matter their family background — will inherit a field where their resilience is valued, their perspectives are essential, and their success is inevitable.
Join the First-Generation Students and Professionals Affinity Group on LinkedIn and Facebook or email firstgen-ag@swe.org for more information.
