Episodes

  • Episode 297: Engineering a Legacy: Grassroots Fundraising and Mentorship at GE

    Episode 297: Engineering a Legacy: Grassroots Fundraising and Mentorship at GE
    Jan 9 2025
    As SWE celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, join us as we reflect on GE’s deep-rooted commitment to the organization, dating back to 1961 when it became one of the first companies to donate to SWE. Guests Megan Stewart of GE Vernova and Kim Hammer of GE Aerospace discuss how employee-led initiatives, competitive tactics, and executive support fostered a culture of giving and mentorship in the organization. They also share how fundraising strategies evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic and the new initiatives they introduced like STEM for STEM to sustain engagement. Packed with insights, this episode celebrates the transformative power of community-driven efforts and the critical role of mentorship in empowering the next generation of women engineers.
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    19 mins
  • Episode 296: Systems Thinking and Innovation in Aerospace Engineering

    Episode 296: Systems Thinking and Innovation in Aerospace Engineering
    Jan 1 2025
    In this inspiring episode of Diverse, Enanga Daisy Fâlé, senior systems engineering manager at Northrop Grumman, explores her dynamic career in aerospace. Enanga shares the pivotal experiences and influences that sparked her passion for STEM and led to her leadership role in systems engineering. The conversation also highlights groundbreaking innovations in aerospace technology, the role of AI and simulation, and the critical need for systems thinking. Enanga also reflects on her impactful contributions to the Society of Women Engineers, offering insights on work-life balance and mentorship. She concludes with empowering advice for women aspiring to excel in aerospace, emphasizing the value of experience, focus, and intentionality.
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    36 mins
  • Ep 295: Sisterly Advice: Engineering Execs Share Keys to Success

    Ep 295: Sisterly Advice: Engineering Execs Share Keys to Success
    Dec 31 2024
    Two sisters earned degrees in electrical engineering — but from there, their careers diverged into different paths. Jeanne Trinko Mechler, fellow at Marvell, followed the technical track, and Donna Trinko Majcen, vice president and general manager of the global services portfolio at Keysight Technologies, pursued the management track. In conversation with FY25 SWE President Karen Roth, Trinko Mechler and Trinko Majcen share insights from their 65+ years of combined experience to help women engineers maximize their careers, take calculated risks, and decide whether to pursue a technical or management path in STEM.
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    42 mins
  • Ep 294: The Power of Perseverance With Secretary of Puerto Rico DTOP Eileen Vélez-Vega

    Ep 294: The Power of Perseverance With Secretary of Puerto Rico DTOP Eileen Vélez-Vega
    Dec 16 2024
    In 2020, longtime SWE member Eileen Vélez-Vega made history as the first woman to be appointed Secretary and CEO of the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works. In this conversation, recorded live at WE24, she reflects on her inspiring STEM journey and the unique pivots along the way: from being the first engineer in her family, to interning at NASA and Walt Disney World, to building a successful engineering career and ultimately leading a state government agency. Interviewed by Larry Guthrie, director of content strategy at SWE, Vélez-Vega wraps up her term as Secretary and discusses the power of perseverance, the role SWE has played in her career, and how being a Latina in engineering has served as a superpower.
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    44 mins
  • Ep 293: Curiosity, Courage, and Leading With Impact With Emma Quentin of BD

    Ep 293: Curiosity, Courage, and Leading With Impact With Emma Quentin of BD
    Dec 15 2024
    This episode is sponsored by Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD). Emma Quentin, vice president of urology critical care and surgery at BD, shares her inspiring journey from chemical engineer to global health care leader in this episode of Diverse. In conversation with Larry Guthrie, director of content strategy at SWE, Quentin discusses the role curiosity plays in both engineering and leadership and the pivotal moments when others believed in her potential before she did. Hear how to overcome "superwoman syndrome," why leaders must prioritize the mental health of their teams, and advice for embracing imperfection and growth throughout your STEM career.
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    20 mins
  • Ep 292: Becoming a Better Ally: Insights From Men in Engineering

    Ep 292: Becoming a Better Ally: Insights From Men in Engineering
    Dec 5 2024
    Trevor George, co-lead of SWE's HeForSWE Affinity Group, and Luke Ciccone, collegiate engagement chair of SWE’s HeForSWE Affinity Group, offer actionable advice for men looking to support women in STEM in this episode of Diverse. In conversation with Ashley Wynne, co-lead of the HeForSWE AG, George and Ciccone share their personal stories of allyship in engineering, including real-life examples of what allyship can look like in the workplace. From holding mentoring conversations, to assigning non-promotable work in an equitable way, to standing up to leadership when needed, the group explores ways to address gender bias at both the collegiate and professional levels.
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    27 mins
  • Ep 291: Supporting Postpartum Engineers in the Workplace With Megan Casey

    Ep 291: Supporting Postpartum Engineers in the Workplace With Megan Casey
    Nov 27 2024
    Megan Casey, mechanical engineer and engineering manager, reflects on how to navigate returning to work as a postpartum engineer in conversation with FY25 SWE President Karen Roth. Drawing from her personal experiences, Casey shares the challenges of transitioning back to the workplace after two pregnancies: one that was medically complicated and another with twins. Hear the strengths she gained during the postpartum period, self-advocacy strategies that engineers can use when returning to work, and actionable ways that leaders can foster an inclusive environment for birthing parents in STEM.
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    34 mins
  • Ep 290: Celebrating Indigenous Voices in STEM With Dr. Teenie Matlock

    Ep 290: Celebrating Indigenous Voices in STEM With Dr. Teenie Matlock
    Nov 21 2024
    Dr. Teenie Matlock, professor emerita of cognitive science at the University of California, Merced and active member of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, joins us in this episode of Diverse to honor Native American Heritage Month. Interviewed by Laurie Shuster, editor-in-chief of SWE Magazine, Dr. Matlock shares how her heritage shaped her upbringing, educational journey, perspective, and career in the sciences. Hear the challenges and opportunities Indigenous women face in STEM, the importance of fostering inclusive environments, and Dr. Matlock’s vision for increased representation in leadership. Plus, learn how to get involved with Advancing Indigenous Peoples in STEM (AISES), one of SWE’s joint member partner organizations.
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    37 mins