Society of Women Engineers

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a non-profit organization founded in 1950, dedicated to empowering women in the engineering and technology fields. Its mission is to inspire women to achieve their full potential in engineering careers and leadership roles, while promoting the importance of diversity and inclusion within the profession.

History

The roots of SWE date back to the late 1940s when a lack of men in the workforce due to World War II created new opportunities for women in engineering. In 1949, a conference at Drexel Institute of Technology gathered about seventy women from nineteen universities to form a network of support. This effort culminated in the official founding of SWE during a national meeting at The Cooper Union in New Jersey on May 27-28, 1950, where Beatrice Hicks was elected as the first president. The organization became formally incorporated in 1952[1][5].

Throughout its history, SWE has grown significantly, now boasting over 48,000 members across more than 300 collegiate and 100 professional sections. The organization's growth reflects an increasing recognition of the role women play in engineering and technology, as well as a sustained effort to encourage female participation in these fields[3][5].

Mission and Objectives

SWE's mission statement emphasizes its commitment to empowering women to excel in engineering careers and advocating for an inclusive environment. The organization pursues several key objectives:

• Professional Excellence: Developing women engineers at all stages of their careers.

• Globalization: Promoting SWE as a global organization serving women engineers worldwide.

• Advocacy: Advocating for the inclusion and success of women in engineering and technology.

• Diversity: Championing diversity within the engineering profession and fostering an inclusive community[2][3].

Programs and Initiatives

SWE offers a variety of programs designed to support its members, including:

• Scholarships: SWE awards numerous scholarships annually to women pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM, funded through private donations and corporate sponsorships.

• Networking Opportunities: The organization facilitates networking among professionals and students through local sections, national conferences, and events aimed at building connections in the engineering community.

• Outreach: SWE actively engages with younger audiences to encourage interest in engineering through outreach programs, workshops, and collaboration with organizations like Girl Scouts[3][4][5].

Impact

SWE has played an important role in transforming the perception of women in engineering. By providing resources, mentorship, and a support network, the organization empowers women to navigate and thrive in a predominantly male-dominated field. As SWE continues to advocate for women's representation in engineering, it aims to create a more equitable workforce that values diversity and inclusivity.

[1] https://web.uri.edu/swe/about-swe/ [2] https://boston.swe.org/history/ [3] https://swe.org/about-swe/ [4] https://www.mines.edu/wisem/swe/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Women_Engineers