I knew I wanted to be an engineer my Junior year in high school when I attended an Engineering day for high school girls sponsored by a collegiate SWE group in my area. In college, SWE was one of those organizations in which fellow women engineering majors could have a leadership role without jockeying with the boys.
After graduating, when I was working in manufacturing, I didn't have a lot of female role models. I was the first Plant Engineer at my company. I was managing men twice my age. I was isolated in a plant environment, rather than a more diverse Corporate setting. I needed a network of other professional women in technical fields that I could relate to and share experiences. I needed SWE.
It wasn't until I changed jobs and moved to the Clorox Company that I reconnected with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). In my current role, I work with chemical and mechanical engineers that are designing new consumer products and processes...and a majority of them are women. Not only is there a network of technical women at work, the company is a strong supporter of SWE and science outreach programs.
At this point in my career, I feel that the SWE organization and mission is even more important. I enjoy networking with other female engineers that are working mothers like me, but I also enjoy sharing my story and experiences with new engineers. I want my children to see the possibilities of engineering and science. I want to help shift our culture to value women in the workplace, especially in STEM fields.
For those of you who are still practicing engineering, why have you not joined SWE?
I want to see you at the next National Conference (WE15 in Nashville in October).
For those of you who no longer consider yourself in an engineering profession, I have 2 thoughts:
1. Once an engineer, always an engineer. Those of us that studied engineering share a bond and were trained to think in a certain way, using science to solve problems.
2. I would bet you still want your kids to learn how to use science to solve problems and build something great for the future. SWE supports outreach to girls for just that reason and I encourage you to get involved in those types of programs.
We need a network that understands our challenges and can support us in all parts of our journey. I believe the Society of Women Engineers has built a strong group of supporters of women in engineering that can do just that.
Ready to join me?
Another event to look forward to,
WE15 in Nashville, TN; October 22-24, 2015
3 days of speakers, networking and celebrating women in engineering; Plus they have daycare!
