Episodes

  • Ep 289: How Chicago Public Schools Partnered With SWE to Provide a Hands-On STEM Experience

    Ep 289: How Chicago Public Schools Partnered With SWE to Provide a Hands-On STEM Experience
    Nov 17 2024
    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.
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    29 mins
  • Ep 288: CHIPS Act Update With Dr. Laurie E. Locascio of the U.S. Department of Commerce

    Ep 288: CHIPS Act Update With Dr. Laurie E. Locascio of the U.S. Department of Commerce
    Nov 12 2024
    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.
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    35 mins
  • Ep 232: The Benefits of Neurodiversity in the Workplace With Holly Hansen of 3M

    Ep 232: The Benefits of Neurodiversity in the Workplace With Holly Hansen of 3M
    Nov 11 2024
    In this episode, Holly Hansen, Pilot Plant and Product Development Manager at 3M, shares her personal experiences with ADHD and provides insight on how to better support neurodiverse folks in the STEM workforce. Hansen covers the different types of neurodiversity, the accommodations needed to make everyone successful, strategies for self-advocacy, and real-world examples of how to foster inclusion for those with ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences.
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    38 mins
  • Ep 287: Making an Impact in Medical Technology With Sylvie Lombardi of BD

    Ep 287: Making an Impact in Medical Technology With Sylvie Lombardi of BD
    Nov 10 2024
    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.
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    23 mins
  • Ep 286: First-Generation Women Engineers Share Their Stories

    Ep 286: First-Generation Women Engineers Share Their Stories
    Nov 8 2024
    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.
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    43 mins
  • Ep 285: Thriving in Engineering While Living With Disabilities

    Ep 285: Thriving in Engineering While Living With Disabilities
    Oct 29 2024
    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.
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    30 mins
  • Ep 284: Finding Your Path in STEM With Major Rachel Oliver of the U.S. Space Force

    Ep 284: Finding Your Path in STEM With Major Rachel Oliver of the U.S. Space Force
    Oct 22 2024
    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.
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    18 mins
  • Ep 283: Latinas and Allies Working Together to Advance STEM Representation

    Ep 283: Latinas and Allies Working Together to Advance STEM Representation
    Oct 11 2024
    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.
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    24 mins