Swe Podcasts

Technical skills alone don’t guarantee how you're seen or heard in engineering. In this episode, engineers Zaineb Ahmad and Barbara Read join host Sam East to unpack how language choices shape the way women and underrepresented groups are perceived in STEM workplaces. Hear the key phrases to avoid at work, how to write emails that maintain attention, and communication tips to grow your reputation and confidence. Plus, hear how allies can step in when an idea in a meeting gets credited to someone else. --- The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org.

In this episode of Diverse, Sandra Park, financial coach for women in STEM, speaks with SWE President Karen Roth about how engineers can achieve financial independence and gain more freedom in their careers. Sandra shares a financial wake-up call from her own engineering journey and discusses practical steps for building a strong foundation, including budgeting and investing at all career stages. Hear how engineers can apply problem-solving skills to personal finance, a systems approach to paying off student loans, and the #1 financial habit that every woman in STEM should start today. --- The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org.

How can engineers prepare for a potential layoff? What steps should you take immediately after being laid off? And how can you bounce back and find your next career opportunity? In this episode, Jessica Rannow, senior project manager at KPI Solutions, and Brittney Elko, senior director of supply chain at Jasper Therapeutics, answer these questions and share how they have navigated multiple layoffs and pivots throughout their successful STEM careers. Hear the life lessons they learned from being laid off, their favorite LinkedIn strategies, how to keep your interview skills sharp year-round, and recommendations on how to bring up the layoff in job interviews in this conversation with Larry Guthrie, director of content strategy at the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). — The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access a

In this episode of Diverse, Kate Hensley, associate director at Collins Aerospace, joins host Marsha Lynn Bragg, senior editor of publications at the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), to discuss the surprising parallels between STEM and stand-up comedy. Kate shares her nonlinear journey in engineering and how the skills she’s honed through comedy have shaped her success. Hear insights on communicating with management, embracing failure in order to grow, and embracing diverse interests outside of the workplace. Whether you’re in engineering, comedy, or both, this episode reminds us that failure is a stepping stone to success and that creativity and resilience are the keys to thriving in any role. — The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit

What if networking could be as fun as game night?! In this special episode of Diverse, recorded live at WE24, hear game enthusiasts and industry leaders Nicole Woon, senior product manager at Microsoft, and Emily Carney, senior manager of site project management at Genezen, explore an unexpected source of networking wisdom: board games. Nicole and Emily share how games like Ticket to Ride and Apples to Apples offer surprising insights into making authentic connections. They break down networking myths and offer fresh perspectives on turning potentially awkward interactions into genuine connections. They also reflect on their love for the SWE community and the opportunities their SWE connections have opened. --- The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional

Helen Mills and Lisa Malmanger, co-leads of the SWE Military and Veterans Affinity Group, share personal stories on why building community is essential for military-connected engineers and their families in this episode of Diverse. Lisa shares the challenges she faced when adjusting to the civilian workforce after serving in the military, and Helen reflects on the importance of mental health and allyship. They also discuss how military experience translates into leadership and technical skills in STEM. Plus, learn how SWE’s Military and Veterans Affinity Group is building community for military service members, veterans, family members, and allies in STEM. Learn more and get involved at affinitygroups.swe.org/military-veterans/ --- The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jayshree Seth, Ph.D., corporate scientist and chief science advocate at 3M, joins us to discuss the motivation behind her latest book, “The Heart of Science: Engineering Blueprint.” In conversation with SWE CEO and Executive Director Karen Horting, Jayshree shares how “The Heart of Science” trilogy provides a blueprint for a purposeful STEM journey at any career stage. Hear why we need to redefine the concept of mentorship, how an immigrant mindset can help everyone navigate new challenges, and what Jayshree plans to share at WE25 in New Orleans. All proceeds of “The Heart of Science” trilogy go to the Jayshree Seth Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM, administered by SWE. Find out more here: https://alltogether.swe.org/2024/10/heart-of-science-blueprint/ --- The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate a

This episode is brought to you by Horton. To see the photos and documents referenced in the episode, watch the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/UlAoX2duYqM In this special episode of Diverse, Troy Eller English, chief archivist at SWE, and Mary Mann, archives librarian at The Cooper Union, celebrate SWE’s 75th anniversary by unpacking stories from the archives. They discuss the founding meeting of SWE in 1950 and reflect on how understanding the past can inform future practices in engineering and society. Hear the contributions of women engineers since that time, the creative ways the SWE archives have been used over the years, and a preview of SWE’s upcoming Founder’s Day event at The Cooper Union. Don’t miss SWE’s Founder’s Day milestone anniversary event on Tuesday, May 6, at The Cooper Union! The event is free of charge and open to all: https://portal.swe.org/s/community-event?id=a4YPn00000FoALJMA3 --- The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all ge

This episode is sponsored by Discover Financial Services. How can women in tech build resilience, grow into leadership, and still make time for life outside of work? In this episode of Diverse, host Sam East sits down with two inspiring women from Discover Financial Services: Ranjani Rao, director of infrastructure product management, and Jamie Stallworth, manager training specialist. They share honest reflections on bouncing back from failure, advice for work-life balance, and insights on how they keep their technical knowledge up to date. Plus, hear how Discover Financial Services has supported their leadership growth and development. --- The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org

This episode is brought to you by Modern Makers. In this episode of Diverse, engineer, entrepreneur, and space explorer Anousheh Ansari sits down with SWE Executive Director and CEO Karen Horting. As the first female private space explorer, Anousheh shares her extraordinary journey, delving into how her problem-solving engineering skills have shaped her path, as well as her unforgettable experiences in space that transformed her perspective on global challenges. She also shares insights on risk-taking, adaptability, and the invaluable lessons learned from failures. --- The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org

Allison Grealis, founder and president of the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM), sits down with SWE CEO and Executive Director Karen Horting to discuss the state of women in manufacturing. Allison reflects on her experience launching WiM and leading its growth to over 32,000 members today. She shares creative retention strategies and workforce training efforts that are shaping the future of manufacturing, along with unique offerings like the Women in Production program, which helps women advance into leadership roles. Plus, as SWE celebrates its 75th anniversary and WiM marks 15 years, hear about SWE and WiM’s new partnership. For more, you can read Allison’s interview in the spring 2025 issue of SWE Magazine.

Theresa Cummings, CEO of Cummings Consulting & Management LLC and a mechanical engineer by trade, joins host Sam East in this episode of Diverse: a SWE Podcast. Cummings shares her inspiring journey from engineer to leadership consultant, helping industry leaders like NASA and Coca-Cola build stronger teams. Together, they discuss the pivotal role of interpersonal skills in technical environments and how women in STEM can lead with confidence and authenticity. Discover actionable advice on overcoming stereotypes, embracing feminine leadership, and developing the soft skills essential for thriving in male-dominated fields. Cummings also highlights strategies for building relationships, balancing technical expertise with emotional intelligence, and empowering yourself to take the lead. For more insights from Cummings, check out her feature in the winter issue of SWE Magazine: https://swe.org/magazine/how-women-lead/ --- The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of al

This episode is sponsored by Cadence Design Systems. What happens when industry leaders refuse to accept the status quo in tech diversity? In this episode of Diverse, Nicole Johnson, global director of social impact & employee engagement for Cadence Design Systems, and Dr. Judith Spitz, founder and CEO of Break Through Tech, discuss their groundbreaking partnership through the Fem.AI initiative. They share innovative strategies to address the three leakage points in the tech talent pipeline for women, including tackling the alarming statistic that 50% of women leave tech careers before the 12-year mark. Learn how they're reimagining the talent pipeline by connecting high-potential students from over 200 universities with industry opportunities and developing early career leadership programs to empower a new generation of tech leaders.

This episode is brought to you by Crown. This Women's History Month episode of Diverse features a compelling conversation with Lori McDowell, who transitioned from a 30-year career in chemical engineering to become a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and life coach. In conversation with host Hang Loi, Lori candidly discusses how being fired became her catalyst for change, leading to her book, The Reinvention Mindset, and a thriving coaching practice. She shares practical insights about navigating financial uncertainty, finding supportive communities, and integrating both logical and creative thinking. As members of SWE's Late Career and Retiree Affinity Group, both women explore how experienced engineers can embrace new chapters with confidence. As a proud member of SWE's Late Career and Retiree Affinity Group, Lori offers valuable insights for women engineers considering their next chapter, emphasizing that it's never too late to reinvent yourself.

This episode and the WE24 Podcast Studio are proudly sponsored by Apple. In this episode of Diverse, FY25 SWE President Karen Roth joins Lindsay Epstein (Apple) and SWE collegiate member Alden Sherrel to discuss the significance of community, diversity in design, and emerging trends in health and clean energy technology. Lindsay and Alden reflect on their personal journeys, and share how strong community support empowered them to thrive and innovate. They share how opportunities like the Apple Engineering Camp and SWE offer invaluable mentorship through hands-on learning experiences. This episode offers lessons for both emerging and established engineers, emphasizing how good design and diverse perspectives can transform lives and shape our technological future.

In this episode of Diverse, host Siddika Demir speaks with Renée Amilcar, the first female president of the International Association of Public Transport, about her trailblazing career in a male-dominated industry. Renée shares her passion for public transport and discusses the vital role it plays in sustainable urban development. She reflects on the importance of gender parity and diversity within the sector and offers valuable insights on the skills women engineers need to succeed in public transport. From innovative advancements in passenger communication to the critical need for mentorship, Renée emphasizes how being bold and breaking down barriers can help pave the way for future generations of women leaders. This episode is an empowering conversation about transforming an often-overlooked field and creating lasting change.

This episode is sponsored by GE Vernova. In this episode of the Diverse podcast, Reggie Miller, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for GE Vernova, joins host Inaas Darrat, SWE president-elect, to discuss the importance of allyship in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the workplace. Miller shares his personal journey and motivations for advocating for women in STEM, offering practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and invaluable advice for women navigating male-dominated fields. He also discusses GE Vernova's DEIB initiatives and emphasizes the role of allies in creating an inclusive environment. Don’t miss this thought-provoking exploration of what it truly means to be a great ally in the workplace and beyond, including the importance of mutual respect, open communication, and shared goals in building a culture of support and empowerment.

This episode of Diverse welcomes Camille Smith, a chemical engineer and founder of STEM So(ul)cial, to explore the challenges and opportunities for women and minorities in STEM. In conversation with host Inaas Darrat, SWE president-elect, Smith shares her journey of navigating her identity in the workplace and the barriers women of color often face in advancing their careers. She sheds light on the “hidden curriculums” that influence career growth, the critical role of community, and why documentation is essential for performance reviews and promotions. Smith also describes how STEM So(ul)cial, a hub for aspiring and established Black STEM professionals, is empowering Black STEM professionals through community-building and resource-sharing.

This episode is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. In this episode of Diverse, Tricia Marks, director of security technology operations at the U.S. Department of State, shares her incredible journey as a trailblazing woman in engineering with host Larry Guthrie, SWE’s director of content strategy. Marks reflects on her upbringing in Brooklyn, where her father’s work sparked her interest in engineering, and takes us through her global career spanning over two decades, including assignments in Iraq, China, and Mongolia. She dives into the evolving challenges of security engineering, the transformative power of mentorship, and the importance of building supportive communities for women in STEM. Marks also shares how organizations like National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and SWE have helped in shaping her career and offers practical advice for aspiring engineers interested in exploring opportunities at the State Department.

Louvere Walker-Hannon, application engineer senior team lead at MathWorks, joins us for this episode of Diverse to unpack the concept of weathering — the physical toll chronic stress takes on the human body, especially among women of color. In conversation with host Inaas Darrat, SWE president-elect, Walker-Hannon shares her inspiring journey in STEM, starting with a love for archaeology, and reflects on the challenges she’s faced as a woman of color in engineering. Together, they explore the systemic barriers that contribute to health disparities and underrepresentation in STEM fields. Walker-Hannon also delves into the hidden toll of systemic challenges, exploring how adversity can shape resilience and inspire change. She unpacks the ripple effects of chronic stress on health, the power of community awareness, and the transformative potential of advocacy.