With over 100 majors to choose from, members of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) chose the STEM life. With the support of each other, Bradley’s own SWE strives to make a difference in the STEM world.
The group’s president is Amanda Wagner, a senior mechanical engineering major.
According to SWE’s website, it is an organization that “values trust, integrity, an inclusive environment, professional excellence and mutual support.” To achieve this they have general meetings, both national and regional conferences and community outreach events.
The general meetings include different aspects of college and business life. There are interactions with professional engineers as well as recreational activities.
While the general meetings are on campus, club president and senior mechanical engineering major Amanda Wagner said the regional and national are more broad.
“All the chapters from around the country gather in a specific place. This year it’s in Anaheim, California,” Wagner said. “There’s a large career fair where you can network with people”.
In addition to national affairs, SWE finds it essential to serve in the local community.
By visiting local Peoria schools, SWE extends its knowledge to the youth by educating them about STEM Through community service and school visits, their target is young girls.
“It’s just to introduce them to STEM because not a lot of them have resources to learn what it’s like to be in STEM,” Wagner said. “So, we go to them and teach them about it.”
SWE holds outreach with each other in high standards as well.
Through serving others and focusing on their career paths, the women of SWE said they have developed close relationships with each other.
“Most of my friends, I’ve met through being in SWE,” Wagner said.
Concetta Gendusa, a senior mechanical engineering major, is the chairperson of the group and operates a mentor program. The goal is to pair freshmen and transfer student engineers with junior and senior engineers.
“Throughout the year, those who participate will be doing different events,” Gendusa said. “something to build the connection. They will be helping them decide which classes to take and career chances.”
The members’ dedication to uniting has paid off. Wagner said she along with most other members have received internships based on their membership with SWE.
Uplifting other female engineers is the group’s driving force.
SWE said they feel their group is relevant because women are often looked down upon in the STEM world. Members say companies particularly look to SWE members because they know that members are trying to change that stigma.
For upcoming events, people are encouraged to follow their Instagram page @swebradley. SWE meets every other Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
