✨ Reflecting on a Meaningful Experience at the SWE Conference in Chicago! ✨
Just wrapped up an incredible time volunteering at the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) conference, & wow—what an event it was! From an engineering manager's perspective, this experience reinforced how essential collaboration, communication, and inclusivity are in driving innovation & empowering individuals in STEM. Here’s a quick glimpse of my journey:
Day 1: I began as an Information Desk Helper, guiding attendees through the bustling halls of McCormick Place while wearing a saree, a choice I felt proud of. Many attendees were kind enough to compliment me for confidently carrying it, which sparked conversations around identity & cultural diversity—something I believe is vital to inclusivity at SWE. Working alongside two other talented women Ijeoma Okoye and Chizzy, we focused on creating a welcoming experience. Although we initially struggled to find our desk, we quickly got the hang of it, ensuring everyone’s navigation was smooth—a lesson in adaptability & accessibility that I’ll carry into my engineering role.
After the conference, my fellow volunteer, Chiezugolum Odilinye, & I explored Chicago together, topping off with iconic Chicago-style pizza at Giordano’s—a fun bonding experience that celebrated the connections we were making!
Day 2: I had the pleasure of meeting Amy Lytle from Volvo Group, who, like me, had previously worked at Caterpillar Inc.. We discussed truck features and the similarities & differences across providers—a great conversation about shared passions and industry insights. Amy kindly walked me through some roles at Volvo, encouraged me to consider joining their group. She even captured a picture of me in one of their trucks, adding a warm, memorable touch to our interaction.
Day 3: I volunteered as a Room Monitor at the Wellness Lounge, ensuring fair access to resources for everyone. This role allowed me to create a supportive space, something I deeply value as an engineering manager. Here, I met Hongzhi H. another passionate volunteer, & we connected on topics related to diversity and growth—a friendship I know will last beyond the conference.
Reflecting on how SWE fosters such genuine, inclusive connections, I realize how these new friendships and experiences will influence my work, reminding me to create spaces where team members feel represented and valued.
✨ Society of Women Engineers is truly about genuine connections, professional growth, and inclusivity. This experience reinforced for me the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of supporting each other in our shared goals.
To all the inspiring individuals I met—thank you for making this journey unforgettable! Here’s to many more shared moments, opportunities, and friendships. #SWE2024 #EngineeringLeadership #WomenInSTEM #InclusivityMatters #WE24 #DiversityInSTEM #Togetherwerise #InclusiveWorkplaces Purdue University Master of Engineering Management Program (MEM)
