SWE’s Commitment to You Is Unwavering
This year is the 75th anniversary of the Society of Women Engineers, a time to celebrate and honor our rich history, reflect on our progress, and recommit to the values that have guided our growth and impact. At the heart of our journey lies an unwavering dedication to two deeply interconnected priorities — advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, or DEIB, and expanding our global presence. These twin commitments are not simply aspirations; they are strategic imperatives that shape every facet of our mission and vision.
SWE was founded in 1950 to support and empower women engineers, a bold act of advocacy and foresight at a time when women faced formidable barriers in STEM. Today, the engineering profession has evolved, and SWE has grown in size, reach, and influence. But our work is far from over. If SWE’s legacy is to endure, we must continuously adapt and innovate, keeping DEIB and global growth at the forefront of our efforts. Despite the challenges facing us all at this time, rest assured our commitment to SWE’s mission is unwavering!
Our DEIB commitment is rooted in the belief that engineering is at its best when it reflects the diverse world it serves. Through research, programming, partnerships, and advocacy, SWE strives to create inclusive environments in which all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. We are proud to provide tools and training for our members, allies, partners, and employees — resources that support inclusive leadership, equitable workplace practices, and the dismantling of systemic barriers. From SWE’s affinity groups to our annual literature review in SWE Magazine, we offer data-driven insights, advice from leading experts, and real-world solutions to advance equity and diversity across the profession.
DEIB is a lived value within SWE. The staff, leadership, and volunteers all strive to be more equitable and inclusive on a day-to-day basis. We prioritize diverse representation in our leadership, ensure accessibility across our programs and events, and foster a culture of continuous learning and accountability. Belonging isn’t a buzzword at SWE — it’s a value we practice every day.
Equally vital to our legacy is our global footprint. SWE has made tremendous strides in establishing a truly international footprint. From India to Nigeria, Europe to Latin America, our global affiliates and partners are extending SWE’s impact into new regions and creating pathways for all women engineers to thrive. Our global members share the same aspirations and challenges as those in the U.S., including access to opportunity, supportive networks, and the ability to lead on their own terms. That’s why we ensure that SWE’s global programming, conferences, and virtual platforms offer a powerful ecosystem for connection and professional development across borders and time zones, including at our newest WE Local in Brazil, debuting this August.
As we grow globally, we do so in a culture of humility and collaboration. Recognizing the diversity of our global community, we understand that there are some unique challenges women face in engineering around the world and that local context matters. SWE is committed to listening, learning, and partnering authentically with our members.
Because of our focus on DEIB and global growth, we are creating a powerful legacy — one that future generations of women engineers will inherit and be well-equipped to shape. It is an honor to lead SWE during this historic milestone. Let us take a moment to recommit to the values that define us, embrace the work still ahead, and continue building a future for global engineering where everyone is valued and know they belong.
Author
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Karen Horting (she/her), CAE, is the SWE executive director and CEO. She joined the Society in 2004 after working with the New York Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
