{"id":800,"date":"2024-02-08T22:40:04","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T22:40:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogschapman.wpenginepowered.com\/engineering\/2024\/02\/08\/empowerment-in-action-introducing-chapman-universitys-new-and-improved-society-of-women-engineers-chapter-and-their-plans-for-the-new-year\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T21:02:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T21:02:36","slug":"empowerment-in-action-introducing-chapman-universitys-new-and-improved-society-of-women-engineers-chapter-and-their-plans-for-the-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/engineering\/2024\/02\/08\/empowerment-in-action-introducing-chapman-universitys-new-and-improved-society-of-women-engineers-chapter-and-their-plans-for-the-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowerment in Action: Introducing Chapman University's New and Improved Society of Women Engineers Chapter and Their Plans for the New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

The <\/span>Society of Women Engineers (SWE)<\/span><\/a> is a well-known organization worldwide. They strive to \u201cempower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders; expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion.\u201d <\/span>The Chapman University Society of Women Engineers<\/span><\/a> started as a club under the <\/span>Fowler School of Engineering<\/span><\/a> (FSE). Many female engineering students represented the club as board members and community members throughout the year, and most recently, the board applied to become an official SWE Collegiate Chapter. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love being involved in the community that Chapman SWE offers! Throughout our time here, Chapman SWE has created events that align with the organization\u2019s values and goals, which include: professional excellence, globalization, advocacy, and diversity & inclusion. All of this is for women and other underrepresented communities in engineering-related fields,\u201d shared Yanelly Mego, CU SWE President. <\/span><\/p>\n

Journey to Becoming an Official Collegiate Chapter<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After trials and paperwork, this spring 2024, the club is now an official SWE Collegiate Chapter. This opens up many opportunities for the Fowler School of Engineering and the SWE members of the chapter. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs the faculty advisor for the Chapman University Society of Women Engineers (SWE), I am very happy that we have been approved by the national SWE Board of Directors as an official SWE Collegiate Section! Over the last few years, students have worked diligently to host events that build an inclusive environment to empower women to become leaders and develop their careers in science and engineering,\u201d said Nicole Wager, CU SWE Faculty Advisor and Director of Experiential Education.<\/span><\/p>\n

SWE currently has over 400 Collegiate and Professional Sections, 40 Affiliates across the United States, and nearly 100 outside of the United States, which provides excellent networking opportunities. Being connected through SWE is a great way to participate in events, volunteer in local and abroad leadership positions, and more. Having this official title will bring in many more prospects on a career-oriented basis. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis initiation into the national Society of Women Engineers expands networking and career services for our students, while offering scholarship opportunities, participation at annual conferences, and volunteering for outreach activities,\u201d shared Wagner. <\/span><\/p>\n

From the beginning, SWE has served the Chapman and Fowler Engineering community by building lasting relationships among students. SWE at Chapman allows many people to connect with their friends outside the classroom. Connecting with other women in STEM and members of the Chapman and Fowler Engineering community is vital to one\u2019s college experience. SWE at Chapman is happy to be a part of that. <\/span><\/p>\n

Past and Future Goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the members, Kalin Richardson, said she \u201cfound her place in Chapman through the Society of Women Engineers.\u201d She could \u201copenly chat alongside other women in the program and share similar experiences.\u201d That support was eye-opening and inspired her to attend every meeting to catch up with other members and socialize. SWE at Chapman is here to assist those in need and help anyone throughout their STEM career. SWE at Chapman uses three words to describe their overall goal:<\/span><\/p>\n