Society of Women Engineers

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is an international not-for-profit educational and service organization. Founded on May 27, 1950, it is headquartered in the United States. SWE is the largest advocate for women in engineering, serving as a driving force to establish engineering as a desirable career path for women. The organization empowers women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders.

Mission and Objectives

SWE's mission is to empower women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion. Its objectives include informing young women about the qualifications and achievements of women engineers, assisting women in returning to active work after temporary leaves, serving as a center of information on women in engineering, and encouraging women engineers to attain high levels of education and professional achievement.

Activities and Programs

SWE offers a wide range of activities and programs to support its members at all levels. These include:

• K-12 Outreach Programs: SWE sections worldwide host events to help female students explore engineering as a future career. The organization also sponsors SWENext, a platform for students aged 5-18 to engage with the SWE community.
• Collegiate and Professional Development: SWE provides professional development workshops, career fairs, and networking opportunities. It hosts annual conferences, known as We Local regional events, and a major annual gathering that attracts over 20,000 attendees.
• Scholarships and Financial Support: SWE awards numerous scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees, supported by private donations and corporate partnerships.
• Publications: SWE publishes a magazine titled SWE, which covers industry news and SWE's history. It also hosts podcasts focusing on women in engineering and technology.

Impact and Membership

Today, SWE has over 47,000 collegiate and professional members spread across nearly 100 professional sections, 300 collegiate sections, and 60 global affiliate groups. The organization is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the engineering profession. Despite being founded to support women, SWE remains inclusive and open to all genders and backgrounds.

Core Values

SWE operates under core values that include integrity, an inclusive environment, mutual support, professional excellence, and trust. These values guide SWE's activities and initiatives aimed at championing gender parity and equity in STEM fields.

History

Since its inception, SWE has grown significantly, with milestones including the establishment of a Board of Trustees in 1956 and entering the public policy arena in 1994. Over the years, SWE has continued to advocate for women in engineering and technology, fostering leadership skills and providing opportunities for exposure to influential leaders in the industry.

By serving as a premier advocate for women engineers, SWE contributes significantly to enhancing the perception and participation of women in engineering and technology professions globally.