In high school math and science were not my strongest subjects. I struggled learning algebra and geometry. As a senior and preparing for my future career, I was certainly not interested in engineering, math, or science. Looking back, another possible part for me not majoring in those fields could be because I lacked guidance and mentorships to help improve in those fundamental classes.
More programs such as WIE IEEE Forum USA East and companies like Samtec, are empowering a new generation of women in the workforce, especially into STEM related fields.
About IEEE WIE Forum
In late October, Samtec sponsored and attended the WIE IEEE Forum USA East in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The WIE IEEE East Coast Forum celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in the fields of engineering and technology. The WIE IEEE forum theme was strengthening your power skills, and using these skills to create innovative solutions in your field.
This yearly event is an invaluable platform for women in STEM, providing a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and inspiration. The forum offered a series of engaging sessions, workshops, and presentations designed to educate, empower, and elevate women in STEM.
This includes:
- Innovation and Emerging Technologies
- Professional Growth and Empowerment
- Leadership and Mentorship
- Fortifying your Personal Brand
- Managing the new work style post COVID-19
- Coding and using Chat GPT and other interactive tools
Over the course of two days, I had the pleasure of networking and recruiting with people across the industry and local colleges like Carnegie Mellon. During the career fair, my colleague Matthew Burns and I connected with 35+ various STEM students from up and down the East coast. These women were Freshman to finishing their PhD’s, but all with aspiring skills and talents working towards the future workforce and innovations. The event concluded with actions of future plans on continuous engagement and involvement, providing educational and mentoring program resources to women in STEM.
Chips for America and FABS Act
One particular seminar CHIPS for America Fireside Chat with the U.S. Department of Commerce featured two exceptional women from the U.S. Department of Commerce. These leaders under Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, presented on the CHIPS Act and inspiring next generation of women in STEM fields.
They elaborated that 39 million dollars of the CHIPS Act will be invested into more STEM opportunities throughout America, to ensure people of all backgrounds, religions, communities, and regions around the country can benefit. You can read more about the CHIPS Act here.
Future Involvement
IEEE WIE is one of the world’s leaders changing the face of women in engineering with over 40,000 members worldwide. Organizations like IEEE WIE encourages more women to enter the STEM professions ensuring opportunities are not limited. Learn more about becoming a member or how to get involved, here.
Through sponsorship and participation in events like WIE IEEE, scholarship programs, and internship opportunities, Samtec also is actively contributing to the advancement of STEM education and the development of a skilled workforce of women.
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