Stephanie Thompson is a proud member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), an engineer, and a dedicated advocate for making STEM more accessible and inclusive. With nearly 20 years of experience at Raytheon, Stephanie brings both practical problem-solving and a strong commitment to innovation to her work. She holds a mechanical engineering degree from New Mexico State University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management. Her research focuses on analyzing data trends to strengthen her skills in data analytics and strategic thinking to support change beyond her technical role.
Beyond her engineering career, Stephanie is actively engaged in education and community leadership. As a school board member in New Mexico, she supports STEM education and policy initiatives that support equity. Within SWE, Stephanie previously served as co-chair of the Indigenous Peoples Affinity Group and continues to serve as Senator, where she collaborates on initiatives that promote inclusion, education policy, and community engagement. Her advocacy is inspired by her Navajo heritage, which she weaves into her STEM efforts, combining technical expertise, cultural insight, and leadership to create pathways that expand access and strengthen the impact of engineering and technical careers.
Stephanie is passionate about contributing to SWE’s mission, using her technical skills to empower others in their professional journeys and connecting with SWE members to advance diversity and opportunity in STEM. For her, SWE represents a community where women engineers from all backgrounds can champion positive change and inspire future generations.
