International Microwave Symposium (IMS) 2023 in San Diego was a busy event, incorporating an entire week of technical programming for engineers designing RF, microwave, mmWave, and THz systems. Each year, the event hosts a Women in Microwaves networking reception. This year, Samtec was fortunate enough to join Microwaves & RF magazine as the sponsors of the Women in Microwaves (affectionately referred to as “WIM”) reception, which was held at the Hilton Bayfront San Diego hotel on Tuesday, June 13.
“IMS2023 WIM successfully kicked off with a microwave themed scavenger hunt and plenty of delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks,” noted one of the WIM reception organizers, Johana Yan. “With more than 250 participants mingling, this WIM reception was a major success, with much thanks to our kind sponsors, Microwaves&RF and Samtec, in providing wonderful support and spectacular giveaways.”
WIM is a subset of IEEE’s Women in Engineering (WIE) group for those working within the field of microwave engineering and typically active within the MTT (Microwave Theory & Technology) society. IEEE members can opt to be members of WIE and/or WIM, but the WIM reception at IMS is open to all members and non-members, regardless of gender.
As a sponsor, Samtec had a table at the reception, and we had the opportunity to speak to attendees about our plush tiger giveaways, why we have a tiger mascot, Samtec’s fun effort to track the plush tigers around the world, as well as our donations to tiger conservation. In addition, we also had the chance to talk to attendees about Samtec products for RF design.
The success of WIM, and IEEE for that matter, is driven by dedicated volunteers. This year’s volunteer WIM organizers were Johana Yan, Shirin Montazeri, and Jasmin Grosinger. The current chair of WIM, Sherry Hess, sums up the impact of WIM this way, “Together with you, we will continue to work to raise awareness and encourage discussions that empower women to support each other, feel connected to one another, and make a difference in our workplaces and industry. We all need to feel valued and that our contributions matter. Including a broad range of people in discussions and decisions that encourages diversity of ideas is quite simply, good business. Believe in yourself, support and inspire others to do the same, and together we make a positive impact on behalf of WIM.”
If you plan to attend IMS2024 in Washington D.C., consider attending the Women in Microwaves reception and any associated panels or workshops there.
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