The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a UW Registered Student Organization focused on supporting, encouraging and providing opportunities for women in the STEM fields.
Founded over 10 years ago, the SWE has become an integral part of the STEM community at the university.
“It was founded by female engineering students that were looking to incorporate a community within the College of Engineering and Applied Science that would encourage women to continue pursuing their engineering degrees,” Katie Hopfensperger, president of SWE said.
The mission of SWE is to, “stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity,” Hopfensperger said.
Current members are working to make this goal a reality. The group currently has about 25 active members and is seeking new additions. These members work at UW and in the community to raise awareness about the STEM field and women in it.
Ashley Frizzell, SWE member, said that the group has provided her with opportunities to mentor young women interested in becoming engineers and be mentored by upperclassmen.
“We have an upcoming event this fall called Womengineering, and we have middle-school aged girls come and do fun science demos with each department within the engineering college,” Frizzell said.
In addition to working with local schools, SWE has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the K-14 Outreach program of the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Annaliese Fitzsimmons, SWE outreach chair, oversees these efforts.
“Our outreach is focused on introducing young girls and boys to the idea that there are lots of different types of engineers,” Fitzsimmons said. “One of the primary ways we do that is [to] lead STEM-related activities that promote both an understanding of the basics of engineering and the idea of diversity within engineering and other STEM fields.”
Hopfensperger said that one of the best parts of SWE is the community that exists therein. She has been a member since her freshman year and officer since she was a sophomore.
“I have been able to watch our members gain confidence in both social and engineering skills throughout their college experience,” Hopfensperger said. “And that likely would not have happened without the strong encouragement of both our members and our officers.”
Frizzell has also been a member since her freshman year. She said one of the reasons she joined was to find support as a woman in a male-dominated field.
“I get to come to SWE and be surrounded by women that are in the same classes as me, or were and can relate to the struggle of being not only an engineering major, but a woman in STEM,” Frizzell said.
Hopfensperger also said supporting women in the STEM field is a goal of the SWE.
“Our RSO is unique because it ties together all of the majors within the College of Engineering and Applied Science, while also encouraging and stimulating the underrepresented women in STEM fields,” Hopfensperger said.
Members also have opportunities to learn and network themselves. Hopfensperger said their annual faculty banquet, an event which gives students and staff a chance to network outside of a school environment, is one benefit of membership.
“We have industry panels where we can network with professionals for after graduation,” Frizzell said. “Being involved in SWE is a great way to get your foot in the door into the professional world.”
Members of the SWE meet together bi-weekly at the College of Engineering to develop socially and professionally through discussions and listening to guest speakers. Both male and female engineering students are invited to attend meetings, as are interested staff members.
“We’re all very invested in the prospect of expanding our reach within the college and throughout the UW campus,” Hopfensperger said.
More information about SWE can be found on the groups page on colligate link or the group’s Facebook page.
