More than 560 women engineers and technologists attended the Society of Women Engineers’ first-ever WE Local event in Brazil, held from Aug. 6-7 in Campinas, often called the Silicon Valley of Brazil. SWE has 29 collegiate and professional affiliates throughout the South American country.
Keynote speaker Patricia Acioli, the head of communications and sustainability at Scania Group and the creator of the Queen of the Road project, offered her perspective on what it means to be a woman leader today.
In her address, she stressed the importance of the first step: looking inward. Recognizing personal barriers and untapped potential, she explained, is the foundation for growth. Acioli then called for systemic change, highlighting how companies could go beyond words to adopt policies and structures that truly support talented women. Finally, she stressed the role of others, particularly how men, women, and organizations alike can work together to build networks of support.
In her keynote speech, Patricia Acioli, an executive
passionate about challenging the status quo, discussed
her own perspective on what it means to be a woman
leader today. Her session was not built on ready-made
answer but served as an invitation for attendees to reflect
and explore the concepts that define women’s leadership.
CREDIT: SWE
On the move
As a physical activity to energize participants, SWE offered a self-defense class for women. World jiujitsu champion and instructor Patricia Pacheco taught the session, demonstrating practical ways women can protect themselves from unwanted approaches. Attendees practiced these techniques throughout the workshop.
A panel discussion featuring a diverse group of leaders and experts covered the event’s theme, “Together We Grow,” focusing on the power of unity in advancing the role of women in engineering and technology. Panelists included FY26 SWE President Inaas Darrat, director of chemical sector services for Trinity Consultants; Catia S. Ferreira, director of vehicle software and hardware, virtual design, dimensional, and materials engineering for General Motors South America; Mariana Junqueira Alves Pinto, senior manager of project and portfolio management for Whirlpool Corporation; Juliana Reinhardt, head of marketing for Trane; Leticia Amorim, senior process engineer for Abbott; and Daniel Burke, vice president, harvest and hay engineering for John Deere.
The Campinas event also hosted workshops, educational sessions, and a career fair with 15 employers eager to meet with practicing and aspiring women engineers.
SWE has scheduled similar events for 2026 in Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; Columbus, Ohio; and Dublin, Ireland — with plans for others ongoing. Visit welocal.swe.org for more information.
