Diverse

How can engineers prepare for a potential layoff? What steps should you take immediately after being laid off? And how can you bounce back and find your next career opportunity? In this episode, Jessica Rannow, senior project manager at KPI Solutions, and Brittney Elko, senior director of supply chain at Jasper Therapeutics, answer these questions and share how they have navigated multiple layoffs and pivots throughout their successful STEM careers. Hear the life lessons they learned from being laid off, their favorite LinkedIn strategies, how to keep your interview skills sharp year-round, and recommendations on how to bring up the layoff in job interviews in this conversation with Larry Guthrie, director of content strategy at the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). — 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.

In this episode of Diverse, Kate Hensley, associate director at Collins Aerospace, joins host Marsha Lynn Bragg, senior editor of publications at the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), to discuss the surprising parallels between STEM and stand-up comedy. Kate shares her nonlinear journey in engineering and how the skills she's honed through comedy have shaped her success. Hear insights on communicating with management, embracing failure in order to grow, and embracing diverse interests outside of the workplace. Whether you're in engineering, comedy, or both, this episode reminds us that failure is a stepping stone to success and that creativity and resilience are the keys to thriving in any role. — 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.

What if networking could be as fun as game night?! In this special episode of Diverse, recorded live at WE24, hear game enthusiasts and industry leaders Nicole Woon, senior product manager at Microsoft, and Emily Carney, senior manager of site project management at Genezen, explore an unexpected source of networking wisdom: board games. Nicole and Emily share how games like Ticket to Ride and Apples to Apples offer surprising insights into making authentic connections. They break down networking myths and offer fresh perspectives on turning potentially awkward interactions into genuine connections. They also reflect on their love for the SWE community and the opportunities their SWE connections have opened. --- 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.

Helen Mills and Lisa Malmanger, co-leads of the SWE Military and Veterans Affinity Group, share personal stories on why building community is essential for military-connected engineers and their families in this episode of Diverse. Lisa shares the challenges she faced when adjusting to the civilian workforce after serving in the military, and Helen reflects on the importance of mental health and allyship. They also discuss how military experience translates into leadership and technical skills in STEM. Plus, learn how SWE's Military and Veterans Affinity Group is building community for military service members, veterans, family members, and allies in STEM. Learn more and get involved at affinitygroups.swe.org/military-veterans/ --- 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.

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/ --- 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.

This episode is brought to you by Horton. To see the photos and documents referenced in the episode, watch the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/UlAoX2duYqM In this special episode of Diverse, Troy Eller English, chief archivist at SWE, and Mary Mann, archives librarian at The Cooper Union, celebrate SWE's 75th anniversary by unpacking stories from the archives. They discuss the founding meeting of SWE in 1950 and reflect on how understanding the past can inform future practices in engineering and society. Hear the contributions of women engineers since that time, the creative ways the SWE archives have been used over the years, and a preview of SWE's upcoming Founder's Day event at The Cooper Union. Don't miss SWE's Founder's Day milestone anniversary event on Tuesday, May 6, at The Cooper Union! The event is free of charge and open to all: https://portal.swe.org/s/community-event?id=a4YPn00000FoALJMA3 --- 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.

This episode is sponsored by Discover Financial Services. How can women in tech build resilience, grow into leadership, and still make time for life outside of work? In this episode of Diverse, host Sam East sits down with two inspiring women from Discover Financial Services: Ranjani Rao, director of infrastructure product management, and Jamie Stallworth, manager training specialist. They share honest reflections on bouncing back from failure, advice for work-life balance, and insights on how they keep their technical knowledge up to date. Plus, hear how Discover Financial Services has supported their leadership growth and development. --- 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

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. --- 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

Allison Grealis, founder and president of the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM), sits down with SWE CEO and Executive Director Karen Horting to discuss the state of women in manufacturing. Allison reflects on her experience launching WiM and leading its growth to over 32,000 members today. She shares creative retention strategies and workforce training efforts that are shaping the future of manufacturing, along with unique offerings like the Women in Production program, which helps women advance into leadership roles. Plus, as SWE celebrates its 75th anniversary and WiM marks 15 years, hear about SWE and WiM's new partnership. For more, you can read Allison's interview in the spring 2025 issue of SWE Magazine.

Theresa Cummings, CEO of Cummings Consulting & Management LLC and a mechanical engineer by trade, joins host Sam East in this episode of Diverse: a SWE Podcast. Cummings shares her inspiring journey from engineer to leadership consultant, helping industry leaders like NASA and Coca-Cola build stronger teams. Together, they discuss the pivotal role of interpersonal skills in technical environments and how women in STEM can lead with confidence and authenticity. Discover actionable advice on overcoming stereotypes, embracing feminine leadership, and developing the soft skills essential for thriving in male-dominated fields. Cummings also highlights strategies for building relationships, balancing technical expertise with emotional intelligence, and empowering yourself to take the lead. For more insights from Cummings, check out her feature in the winter issue of SWE Magazine: https://swe.org/magazine/how-women-lead/ --- 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 https://swe.org/membership/join-swe/

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 & inclusion 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.

This episode is brought to you by Crown. This Women's History Month episode of Diverse features a compelling conversation with Lori McDowell, who transitioned from a 30-year career in chemical engineering to become a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and life coach. In conversation with host Hang Loi, Lori candidly discusses how being fired became her catalyst for change, leading to her book, The Reinvention Mindset, and a thriving coaching practice. She shares practical insights about navigating financial uncertainty, finding supportive communities, and integrating both logical and creative thinking. As members of SWE's Late Career and Retiree Affinity Group, both women explore how experienced engineers can embrace new chapters with confidence. As a proud member of SWE's Late Career and Retiree Affinity Group, Lori offers valuable insights for women engineers considering their next chapter, emphasizing that it's never too late to reinvent yourself.

This episode and the WE24 Podcast Studio are proudly sponsored by Apple. In this episode of Diverse, FY25 SWE President Karen Roth joins Lindsay Epstein (Apple) and SWE collegiate member Alden Sherrel to discuss the significance of community, diversity in design, and emerging trends in health and clean energy technology. Lindsay and Alden reflect on their personal journeys, and share how strong community support empowered them to thrive and innovate. They 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.

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.

This episode is sponsored by GE Vernova. In this episode of the Diverse podcast, Reggie Miller, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for GE Vernova, joins host Inaas Darrat, SWE president-elect, to discuss the importance of allyship in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the workplace. Miller shares his personal journey and motivations for advocating for women in STEM, offering practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and invaluable advice for women navigating male-dominated fields. He also discusses GE Vernova's DEIB initiatives and emphasizes the role of allies in creating an inclusive environment. Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of what it truly means to be a great ally in the workplace and beyond, including the importance of mutual respect, open communication, and shared goals in building a culture of support and empowerment.

This episode of Diverse welcomes Camille Smith, a chemical engineer and founder of STEM So(ul)cial, to explore the challenges and opportunities for women and minorities in STEM. In conversation with host Inaas Darrat, SWE president-elect, Smith shares her journey of navigating her identity in the workplace and the barriers women of color often face in advancing their careers. She sheds light on the “hidden curriculums” that influence career growth, the critical role of community, and why documentation is essential for performance reviews and promotions. Smith also describes how STEM So(ul)cial, a hub for aspiring and established Black STEM professionals, is empowering Black STEM professionals through community-building and resource-sharing.

This episode is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. In this episode of Diverse, Tricia 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.

Louvere Walker-Hannon, application engineer senior team lead at MathWorks, joins us for this episode of Diverse to unpack the concept of weathering — the physical toll chronic stress takes on the human body, especially among women of color. In conversation with host Inaas Darrat, SWE president-elect, Walker-Hannon shares her inspiring journey in STEM, starting with a love for archaeology, and reflects on the challenges she's faced as a woman of color in engineering. Together, they explore the systemic barriers that contribute to health disparities and underrepresentation in STEM fields. Walker-Hannon also delves into the hidden toll of systemic challenges, exploring how adversity can shape resilience and inspire change. She unpacks the ripple effects of chronic stress on health, the power of community awareness, and the transformative potential of advocacy.

In this episode of Diverse, Ucheonye Maple, leadership expert, author, and founder of the Women Who Leap Community, explores the evolving landscape of leadership in high-stakes industries like aerospace and defense, emphasizing the crucial role of empathy, communication, and adaptability. Uche shares her insights on how leaders can foster diverse, innovative teams by understanding the end users of their products, embracing continuous learning, and overcoming biases. From navigating generational differences to building inclusive work environments, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for leaders at all levels. Plus, Ucheonye Maple is also the keynote speaker at SWE's WE Local Conference in San Jose, Calif. Visit welocal.swe.org for more details.

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!

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.

This episode is sponsored by GE Vernova and GE Aerospace. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kelli Easterly, executive director of STEM at Chicago Public Schools, and Eleonora Chakraborty, president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Chicago Regional Section, share their unique STEM outreach partnership in this episode recorded live at WE24. In conversation with Karen Horting, CEO and executive director of SWE, the group discusses “Invent It. Build It.,” an outreach event that inspired CPS students, parents, and educators to explore engineering through hands-on STEM activities. Hear the story of how this partnership began, creative ways to engage future engineering leaders, and advice for SWE sections who want to partner with school districts to make a difference in their communities.

Dr. Laurie E. Locascio, U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), reflects on the implementation of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act which appropriated over $52 billion for semiconductor manufacturing, research and development, and workforce training and education. In conversation with Karen Horting, executive director and CEO of the Society of Women Engineers, Dr. Locascio discusses how this legislation is shaping the future of the U.S. semiconductor industry and why organizations like SWE are essential to its success. Dr. Locascio shares insights on workforce development and efforts to increase the representation of women and underrepresented groups in STEM, including apprenticeships, upskilling, retraining, and returnships.

This episode is sponsored by Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD). Sylvie Lombardi, senior R&D director at BD, discusses her journey in biomedical engineering and the rewarding impact her work has on physicians and patients in this episode of Diverse. Hear how Lombardi's childhood dreams of becoming a doctor influenced her path in STEM, her advice for aspiring engineers in the medical technology space, and the growth opportunities that BD provided throughout her career.

In honor of First-Generation College Celebration Day, celebrated on Nov. 8 in the U.S., dive into the stories of several first-generation women engineers in this episode of Diverse! Monick Estrada and Lavanya Munjam share their experiences as first-generation engineers at the collegiate and professional levels in conversation with host Danielle Schroeder. Hear their reflections on the complexities of navigating two cultures, the importance of building strong networks, and the unique strengths that first-gen engineers bring to the workplace. Plus, find out how the SWE First Generation Students and Professionals Affinity Group is supporting first-gen women in STEM.

In this episode, Angelie Vincent and Ramak Asgari of the SWE DisAbility Inclusion Affinity Group share their personal journeys as engineers who are thriving in STEM while living with disabilities. In conversation with Laurie Shuster, editor-in-chief of SWE Magazine, Vincent and Asgari offer insights into how leaders can create inclusive workplace environments that allow individuals with differing abilities to succeed. Hear their stories of using self-advocacy to receive accommodations and their thoughts on disclosing disabilities at work, along with recommended disability inclusion resources for engineers.

This episode is sponsored by the U.S. Space Force. Major Rachel Oliver, assistant professor at the Air Force Institute of Technology, discusses how she found and followed her unique STEM path step-by-step in this episode of Diverse. Hear Major Oliver's advice on navigating career setbacks, along with insights into her work on technologies like satellites and event-based sensors. She reflects on the future of the U.S. Space Force and encourages listeners to consider opportunities to serve, regardless of their background or technical expertise.

In this episode, Helly Torres, Hispanic Heritage Month lead of the SWE Latinos Affinity Group, speaks with Sunita Lavin, a dedicated ally and SWE Latinos AG member, about the critical role of allyship in advancing Latinas in STEM. Torres explores findings from a recent “Lean In” report, which reveals that Latinas remain underrepresented in engineering and tech, especially in leadership roles. Lavin shares her personal journey as an ally and offers insights into how mentorship, advocacy, and a mindset of curiosity can bridge cultures and drive meaningful change.

This episode is sponsored by Tetra Pak. When you grab a carton of juice or a package of your favorite snacks, it's easy to forget that behind every bite and sip, there's a world of engineering at work. In this episode of Diverse, two engineers from Tetra Pak share their experiences in the food and beverage industry with Karen Horting, CEO and executive director of SWE. Ruth Lima, service engineer, and Bayan Kishta, process engineer, reflect on what initially drew them to the food and beverage sector, why it's an attractive field for engineers, and how Tetra Pak has supported their personal career aspirations.

Learn how women can position themselves at the forefront of future mega construction projects in this episode of Diverse! Catherine Hunt Ryan, president of Bechtel's Manufacturing and Technology business, discusses the pivotal role women play in infrastructure projects in conversation with FY25 SWE President Karen Roth. Hear about the evolving global landscape for women engineers, Hunt Ryan's own career journey and the impact she hopes to leave, and a sneak peek of her upcoming keynote at WE24.

Jennifer McAndrew from Tufts University's Tisch College of Civic Life explores the critical issue of voter turnout among STEM students with Dr. Roberta Rincon, director of research and impact at SWE. McAndrew dives into findings from the recent "Democracy Counts 2022" report from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement, explores why collegians in STEM majors may be harder to mobilize than those in other fields and identifies strategies that can boost civic participation. Recorded on National Voter Registration Day, this conversation offers insights into increasing collegiate voting in the lead-up to the U.S. elections.

This episode is sponsored by Discover Financial Services. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests, in their individual capacity, and not necessarily those of Discover. Three leaders at Discover Financial Services discuss their career journeys in tech, their insights on AI and emerging technologies, and how they have built communities of support as women of color in the field. Hear insights from Stephanie Jefferson, senior associate IT service management specialist; Yixiu Li, director of generative AI modeling; and Natasha Perez, senior manager of product enablement.

Shelley Knust, vice president of product compliance and regulatory affairs at Cummins Inc., discusses her approach to courageous leadership in this episode of Diverse. Interviewed by FY25 SWE President Karen Roth, Knust reflects on a pivotal moment in her career when she made an impact on her colleagues by embracing her authentic self. She also shares several unique initiatives that empower engineers to bring their full selves to work and offers a sneak peek into her closing keynote talk at WE24.

For women engineers who want to climb the corporate ladder, putting your head down and doing your job is often not enough. Susan Colantuono, TED speaker and founder of Be Business Savvy, shares the key business and strategic skills to help women get ahead in conversation with Laurie Shuster, editor-in-chief of SWE Magazine. Hear Colantuono's practical tips to understand your employer's market positioning, promote your achievements effectively, and be perceived as a leader in STEM. Learn more about the skills women engineers need to climb the corporate ladder in the Conference 2024 issue of SWE Magazine.

Jenna Henderson, co-lead of SWE's Women in Government Affinity Group, explores how innovation aligns with this year's theme of “Together We Rise” with FY25 SWE President Karen Roth. Interviewed by Jennifer Dalzell, co-lead of the Women in Government Affinity Group, the discussion explores the challenges and opportunities that come with embracing innovation in engineering, particularly in the public sector. Hear why diversity fuels innovation, how to handle resistance when changing the status quo, and practical advice for women engineers looking to lead the way in their fields.

Enjoy a fireside chat with two women who were recently recognized on the Forbes “50 Over 50” list in this episode of Diverse! Karen Horting, CEO and executive director of SWE, sits down with Dr. Carlotta Berry, professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and founder of NoireSTEMinist, to discuss their respective work to increase STEM access. Horting and Dr. Berry reflect on what they are most proud of, how their perspectives on leadership have evolved over time, and the unique intersections of their passions, including Berry's creative venture into writing romance novels featuring Black characters in STEM fields.

Explore an outreach success story from one of SWE's 400+ Collegiate Sections in this episode of Diverse! Sofie Zalatimo, elementary outreach chair at Cal Poly SWE, and Shayne Conner, vice president of community outreach at Cal Poly SWE, dive into the details of Cal Poly SWE's annual "Fourth Grade Days" event, which reached over 1,500 students this year. In conversation with FY25 SWE President Karen Roth, Zalatimo and Conner share behind-the-scenes insights into managing event volunteers, creating age-appropriate activities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders by exposing pre-college students to STEM.

Sharon Hong, vice president of ecosystem solutions and video sales engineering at Motorola Solutions, explores how engineers can unlock fear, overcome imposter syndrome, and unleash their full potential in this episode of Diverse. In conversation with FY25 SWE President Karen Roth, Hong discusses her inspiring STEM journey and leadership roles in the security and safety sectors. She also provides a preview of her upcoming WE24 keynote address.

Melissa Marshall, TED speaker and founder of Present Your Science, shares actionable advice to help scientists and engineers share their work to non-technical audiences in this episode of Diverse. Hear practical tips for improving your presentation skills, plus two key communication pitfalls to avoid. Marshall offers additional insights on the role of visual aids in slides, building confidence, and how AI is impacting the future of communication in STEM.

Dive into SWE's award-winning Academic Leadership for Women in Engineering (ALWE) program with two inspiring engineers who are making their mark! Dr. Gisella Lamas, FY25 chair of SWE's Women in Academia Committee, and Dr. Sanjana Yagnambhatt, member of SWE's Women in Academia Committee, share their personal experiences as participants in the ALWE program. Hear what inspired them to pursue careers in academia, the lessons from ALWE that influenced them the most, and why the leadership skills and diverse community that ALWE provides are imperative in the academic space.

Negotiation happens every day in the workplace — from negotiating a job offer, to pushing back on a proposed initiative, to simply saying no. In this episode of Diverse, author, speaker, and leadership consultant Selena Rezvani shares actionable tips to help women engineers improve their negotiation skills and become their own self-advocates. Hear strategies and scripts to start tricky conversations, overcome common objections, and manage trade-offs. Rezvani shares a personal story that influences the way she sees negotiation and discusses the importance of mentors and peer networks.

Learn how endowed scholarships work and how they make an impact on the next generation of women engineers in this episode of Diverse! Mary Zeis, SWENext coordinator for the SWE Pittsburgh Section, and Jessica Dresang, vice president & project manager with Carollo Engineers, share their personal motivations behind endowing scholarships with SWE in conversation with FY24 SWE President Alexis McKittrick. Hear what differentiates an endowed scholarship from other forms of giving, how endowed scholarships work behind the scenes, and why they are an ideal option for those looking to leave a long-term legacy.

Every day around the world, engineers get dressed to go to work. But due to a variety of appearance-based biases, picking out what to wear can be complicated for some women in STEM. Dr. Lindarti Purwaningsih, principal process engineer, integration engineering at GlobalFoundries, delves into the societal norms, biases, and personal experiences that shape the way women engineers dress in the workplace in this episode of Diverse. Drawing from her popular talk at WE Local Munich, Purwaningsih explores how dressing authentically can empower women in engineering and how organizations and leaders can foster a more inclusive workplace environment for all.