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.

Ep 294: The Power of Perseverance With Secretary of Puerto Rico DTOP Eileen Vélez-Vega

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. 

Episode 296: Systems Thinking and Innovation in Aerospace Engineering

In this episode of Diverse, host Alyssa Acosta, co-lead of SWE’s Early Career Professionals Affinity Group (ECP AG), sits down with guests MP Delisle, past ECP AG co-lead, and Amber Krecemen, ECP AG co-founder, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from college to professional life as women engineers. 
They share personal insights on the importance of mentorship, the power of networking, and how the Society of Women Engineers and SWE’s ECP AG have been instrumental in their journeys.
From finding your community to embracing leadership opportunities, this conversation offers actionable advice for engineers at the start of their careers. Learn how SWE creates a unique space for women in engineering to grow, connect, and thrive — professionally and personally.


Episode 298: From Campus to Career: Building Your Network and Finding Your Voice

In this episode of Diverse, host Tracy White, who leads SWE's Mid-Career Professionals Affinity Group, sits down with past SWE Presidents Stacey DelVecchio and Colleen Scholl to explore their journeys into senior management.

They share insights on mentorship, senior-level interviews, adapting communication styles, and redefining work-life balance. Learn practical strategies for embracing flexibility, understanding your value, and inspiring teams.

Plus, you’ll gain valuable advice on embracing flexibility, understanding your worth, and inspiring teams at any level. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to lead with confidence and purpose!

Episode 299: Leading with Purpose: Navigating the Leap to Senior Roles

This episode is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. 

In this episode of Diverse, Trisha Marks, director of security technology operations at the U.S. Department of State, shares her incredible journey as a trailblazing woman in engineering with host Larry Guthrie, SWE’s director of content strategy. Marks reflects on her upbringing in Brooklyn, where her father’s work sparked her interest in engineering, and takes us through her global career spanning over two decades, including assignments in Iraq, China, and Mongolia.

She dives into the evolving challenges of security engineering, the transformative power of mentorship, and the importance of building supportive communities for women in STEM. Marks also shares how organizations like National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and SWE have helped in shaping her career and offers practical advice for aspiring engineers interested in exploring opportunities at the State Department.

Episode 302: Security, STEM, and Sisterhood: Lessons from 20+ Years at the State Department

In this episode of Diverse, host Siddika Demir speaks with Renée Amilcar, the first female president of UITP, the International Association of Public Transport, about her trailblazing career in a male-dominated industry.
Renée shares her passion for public transport and discusses the vital role it plays in sustainable urban development. She reflects on the importance of gender parity and diversity within the sector and offers valuable insights on the skills women engineers need to succeed in public transport. 
From innovative advancements in passenger communication to the critical need for mentorship, Renée emphasizes how being bold and breaking down barriers can help pave the way for future generations of women leaders. This episode is an empowering conversation about transforming an often-overlooked field and creating lasting change.

Episode 305: Navigating New Routes: Women Engineers Transforming Public Transport

This episode and the WE24 Podcast Studio are proudly sponsored by Apple. 

In this episode of Diverse, Lindsay Epstein, product design engineer at Apple, and SWE collegiate member Alden Sherrill discuss the significance of community, diversity in design, and emerging trends in health and clean energy technology.  

In conversation with FY25 SWE President Karen Roth, Lindsay, and Alden reflect on their personal journeys and share how strong community support empowered them to thrive and innovate. They also share how opportunities like the Apple Engineering Camp and SWE offer invaluable mentorship through hands-on learning experiences. 

This episode offers lessons for both emerging and established engineers, emphasizing how good design and diverse perspectives can transform lives and shape our technological future.

Episode 306 Apple's Engineering Camp: Mentorship, Diversity, and Design

This episode is sponsored by Cadence Design Systems. 

What happens when industry leaders refuse to accept the status quo in tech diversity? In this episode of Diverse, Nicole Johnson, global director of social impact & employee engagement for Cadence Design Systems, and Dr. Judith Spitz, founder and CEO of Break Through Tech, discuss their groundbreaking partnership through the Fem.AI initiative. 

They share innovative strategies to address the three leakage points in the tech talent pipeline for women, including tackling the alarming statistic that 50% of women leave tech careers before the 12-year mark.

Learn how they're reimagining the talent pipeline by connecting high-potential students from over 200 universities with industry opportunities and developing early career leadership programs to empower a new generation of tech leaders.

Episode 308: Fixing the Female Talent Leak in the Tech Pipeline With Cadence Design Systems

This episode is brought to you by Modern Makers.

In this episode of Diverse, engineer, entrepreneur, and space explorer Anousheh Ansari sits down with SWE Executive Director and CEO Karen Horting.

As the first female private space explorer, Anousheh shares her extraordinary journey, delving into how her problem-solving engineering skills have shaped her path, as well as her unforgettable experiences in space that transformed her perspective on global challenges. 

She also shares insights on risk-taking, adaptability, and the invaluable lessons learned from failures. 

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The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org


Ep 311: Reaching for the Stars With Anousheh Ansari, Astronaut and CEO of XPRIZE

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jayshree Seth, Ph.D., corporate scientist and chief science advocate at 3M, joins us to discuss the motivation behind her latest book, “The Heart of Science: Engineering Blueprint.”

In conversation with SWE CEO and Executive Director Karen Horting, Jayshree shares how “The Heart of Science” trilogy provides a blueprint for a purposeful STEM journey at any career stage.

Hear why we need to redefine the concept of mentorship, how an immigrant mindset can help everyone navigate new challenges, and what Jayshree plans to share at WE25 in New Orleans.

All proceeds of “The Heart of Science” trilogy go to the Jayshree Seth Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM, administered by SWE. Find out more here: https://alltogether.swe.org/2024/10/heart-of-science-blueprint/ 

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The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org.

Ep 314: Mindset, Mentorship, and Meaning in STEM With Jayshree Seth, Ph.D.

Welcome to Diverse, a podcast by the Society of Women Engineers. SWE gives women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering community. On Diverse, we highlight incredible thought leaders and personalities in the STEM community and discover who they are at home, at work and in between.

New tracks tagged #WomenEngineers