International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) was founded by the Women's Engineering Society (WES) in the United Kingdom. INWED was first celebrated in 2014 with the aim of raising awareness about the achievements of women in engineering, encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in the field, and promoting diversity and inclusivity in the engineering profession. Since its inception, INWED has gained global recognition and is now celebrated annually on June 23rd.

Leading professionals in the engineering and technology fields have shared their insights in anticipation of INWED. Their comments highlight the significance of diversity, gender equality, and inclusion, while celebrating the achievements of women in these industries. These professionals emphasize the need to inspire and empower future generations, break stereotypes, and create equal opportunities for all in engineering and STEM.

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Jenna Hicks - Vice President, Client Engagement, Liquidware

"International Women in Engineering Day celebrates the invaluable contributions of women in engineering, breaking down barriers and inspiriting future generations. It highlights the continual need for diversity and gender equality in the field, fostering innovation and driving positive change in society. Today, we honor the brilliance, talent and resilience of women engineers worldwide as they continue to help shape the world we live in and pave the way for a brighter future. "

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Julia Furst Morgado, Product Strategy Technologist, Veeam
 
"You can and you are.
 
These five simple words carry a profound message for women in engineering. It's a reminder of the immense potential within each and every one of them. Engineering is not reserved for a select few; it is a field where women can excel, innovate, and create a lasting impact.
 
To all the women pursuing careers in engineering, I want you to embrace your capabilities, your passion, and your unique perspective. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back. Believe in yourself and your abilities to tackle challenges head-on, to solve complex problems, and to bring your own creative flair to the table.
 
It's true that women have faced obstacles and biases in the engineering world, but these barriers are meant to be broken. You have the power to shatter stereotypes and redefine what it means to be an engineer. Your presence in this field is vital, as it brings diversity of thought, fresh ideas, and innovative solutions that benefit us all.
 
On this International Women in Engineering Day, let us celebrate the accomplishments of women engineers who have paved the way and inspired countless others. Let's empower the next generation of aspiring engineers, showing them that they can, and they are, making their mark in this dynamic field.
 
Remember: The possibilities are endless, and you have the strength, intelligence, and perseverance to overcome any challenge. Embrace your potential, embrace your passion, and embrace the incredible journey of being a woman in engineering. You can and you are shaping the world through your work, and for that, we applaud you."

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Caroline Seymour, VP of Product Marketing, Zerto, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company

"In 2023, according to MIT Professional Education the gender gap in STEM remains significant, with women making up only 28% of the STEM workforce. As a long-time professional working in the technology field, I'm well aware of the underrepresentation of women in the industry. While people are much more aware of the gender gap than they have been in the past, a divide still remains which needs to be overcome. The roots of the issue start before women enter the workforce. As they're growing up, girls can be subjected to biases (both conscious and unconscious) early on in their schooling and are often actively discouraged from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math. Quite often teachers and parents underestimate girls math's skills starting as early as preschool. We need to do far more at an earlier stage. Mentoring girls and encouraging them to pursue STEM coursework into higher education is a start. Opportunities such as classes and scholarships that cater to girls interested in the field are also important. It's vital to support young women early in their life so they have the background, support, and confidence to overcome gender biases in STEM.

Further down the road, companies can also take action to achieve gender equality. They can start by using job descriptions which are gender neutral, gathering diverse candidates for interviews, and making sure there are women present on the interviewing team. Additionally, there should be regular pay equity reviews, mentorship and advancement opportunities for different groups, and regular evaluation of the hiring and promotion process to spot any potential biases."

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Britta Loew, Vice President of IPG Operations, IGEL

"International Women in Engineering Day is an important day for IGEL. One of our goals as a company is to create a diverse workforce that includes women engineers. We believe they bring a unique perspective that when combined with that of their male counterparts fosters more creativity, innovation and outside the box thinking that leads to growth and success for both their teams and our business as whole.
 
Due to their educational background, women who choose an engineering profession typically bring a strong analytical understanding, and are more familiar with how men think and approach problem solving. Nevertheless, women in engineering roles also experience challenges when it comes to being heard within the professional environment, balancing work with family obligations, and unequal pay.
 
Equality is a societal responsibility and as a company, IGEL is committed to supporting the advancement of women in the workforce, especially those who are new to IGEL and to the engineering profession. For example, we are in the process of establishing a mentoring program where experienced colleagues, male or female, will be on hand to support a newcomer for their first months on the job. Not only is this beneficial to our employees, it helps us learn as an organization where the challenges lie and what we can improve when it comes to supporting women in the workplace. Other activities that set IGEL apart include creating more flexible work schedules that foster work-life balance, making women more visible by encouraging them to participate in events that address the topic of Women in Technology and playing an active part in hiring more women at IGEL by visiting universities and recruiting female students to fill open positions."

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Malini Nair, Principal QA Software Engineer, Context Labs  

"As a female engineer, International Women in Engineering Day holds deep significance for me. It is a moment to celebrate the achievements of women in engineering and inspire future generations to pursue their passions in this field. This day serves as a reminder that gender should never limit one's aspirations or opportunities. It highlights the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where women can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to drive innovation and success. 

I feel incredibly fortunate to work for a company that shares my belief in the power of diversity and inclusion. At Context Labs, we understand that diverse teams are stronger teams. We embrace and celebrate the talents and contributions of individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We recognize the immense value that women bring to engineering and provide equal opportunities for growth, mentorship, and leadership. By fostering an inclusive culture that values and respects everyone, we create an environment where all voices are heard, ideas are nurtured, and collective success is achieved."

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Annie Shoup, Senior Data Scientist, Context Labs

"International Women in Engineering Day holds immense importance in promoting gender equality and encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM. This day serves as a powerful platform to celebrate the achievements of women in engineering, while also inspiring and empowering young girls to explore the exciting opportunities available in STEM fields. It is crucial to showcase diverse role models and highlight their remarkable contributions, breaking the stereotypes and barriers that may discourage girls from pursuing their passions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

On this day, let us come together as a collective force to champion gender equality, foster inclusivity, and create pathways for girls to pursue their dreams in engineering and STEM. By nurturing their talents, inspiring their curiosity, and providing equal opportunities, we can build a world where all aspiring engineers, regardless of gender, can thrive and make significant contributions to the advancement of society. International Women in Engineering Day is a reminder of the transformative power of diversity and the boundless possibilities that await when we break down barriers and empower girls to pursue their passion for STEM."

Annemie Vanoosterhout, Release and Project Manager, Datadobi

"International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is an important occasion to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in the engineering field. It is a day to honor the trailblazing women engineers who have made significant contributions to various sectors and have shattered gender stereotypes along the way. INWED highlights the valuable perspectives, skills, and expertise that women bring to the engineering profession, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in driving innovation and progress.

This day serves as a powerful reminder of the need to continue advocating for gender equality in engineering. By showcasing the accomplishments of women engineers, INWED inspires young girls and women to pursue careers in engineering, encouraging them to overcome barriers and pursue their passions. It is an opportunity to empower aspiring engineers to dream big, challenge societal norms, and make a positive impact on the world. Together, we can create an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive and shape the future of engineering."

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Irina Shiyanovskaya, PH.D., Chief Operations Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Folio Photonics

"With over 50 publications and 11 patents under my belt, covering areas such as optics, organic electronics, flexible displays, and photophysics, I have dedicated my career to the fields of engineering and technology. Consequently, I believe International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) holds significant importance.

INWED serves as a valuable platform to recognize the achievements of women in engineering and challenge prevailing stereotypes. It is a day that encourages inclusivity and diversity within the engineering community and inspires more women to pursue careers in this dynamic field. As a Chief Technology Officer and an Adjunct Professor of Physics, I am committed to fostering equal opportunities and promoting the talent and potential that women bring to engineering. INWED reminds us of the remarkable contributions made by women engineers and reinforces the importance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for future generations."

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Jennifer Palecki, Chief People Officer, Imply

"As a woman who has grown her career in tech it's important to me to create space for other women to do the same, especially for women in engineering. We need to recognize and celebrate the women who have worked tirelessly to create a path for other women in tech and engineering and also continue to advocate for others who join the space. International Women in Engineering Day brings attention to women in engineering and serves as a call to action to the work that still needs to be done to focus on equity and inclusion in the tech field. It's equally as important that allies exist as part of this journey - companies have to play a part in making the changes needed for women to thrive in engineering.

Imply is actively working to be a part of these changes.  We are building a diverse and inclusive company and part of that work is ensuring we create space for those who identify as female to not only be welcomed to engineering opportunities but have the support and resources they need to flourish in these roles. Through mentorship, a supportive network and ERGs we hope to empower women to succeed and grow in their engineering careers. Imply will continue to strive to ensure that women in tech and engineering have an environment where their perspectives are recognized, valued and a part of what pushes our company forward."

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Sonali Mishra, Senior Product Manager, D2iQ

"Growing up and attending school in Mumbai, my computer science classes were filled with a nearly equal ratio of men to women. After relocating to the Bay Area to pursue a Master’s degree and starting my first job in the technology industry, I realized that I was the only woman on the engineering team of more than 60 people, and one of three women in the entire company. It was a major culture shock, and I found myself trying to blend in and hide my differences.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop trying to blend in and instead welcome what makes me unique. If you’re the youngest person in the room, the only woman, or feel like you stand out in any way, it’s important to learn how to own your individuality and voice your opinions. Embracing your differences can help you become a stronger leader and utilize your voice successfully. I wish I had known how to do this earlier in my career, and it’s my most important piece of advice for women entering the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field."

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Van Phan, Software Engineer, Xage Security

"Women in Engineering Day is an opportunity to appreciate how far female engineers and tech professionals have come and how much more we can achieve. Women in STEM must follow our passions and stay curious!

Here are my four pieces of advice to anyone entering or evolving their career in the field:

• Learn AI. With AI, I am optimistic that skill sets and careers will grow. It is an enabler for engineers.
• Embrace your love for technology and constantly seek new knowledge and learning opportunities.
• Build a strong support network. Connect with other women in tech for mentorship and guidance.
  
• Invest in continuous learning. Stay updated with the latest tech trends, tools, and skill sets through online courses.

The community of women in STEM is vibrant and growing. It is important that we lean in and lean on one another to navigate challenges, biases -- and opportunities!"

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Bindu Sundaresan, Director, AT&T Cybersecurity

"As a young woman growing up in Southern India, I was encouraged to pursue a more pragmatic career path by my parents, and my own passions lay in math and problem-solving. Ultimately, this led me to select electrical engineering as my major during my undergraduate experience. From there I explored data networking through internships I pursued during my graduate study. I loved the idea of exploring a field that involved people, processes and technology, and cyber specifically gave me that breadth of opportunity. I was moved by finding solutions to technical problems, and having the ability to explain technical concepts to a non-technical audience.

Something that excited me about the cybersecurity industry, and the STEM field at large, is the push for more inclusivity and diversity. Twenty years ago, I was the only woman in a room full of men - now that ratio has begun to shift. Fortunately, there has even been significant progress in implementing STEM awareness programs and classes within the K-12 curriculum, helping to increase visibility among the minds of the future. One of my biggest pieces of advice for women who are looking to break into, or advance, in engineering or the STEM field more widely, is to be open to any and all opportunities that are presented. More than that, it is imperative to be proactive and ask for various opportunities as opposed to waiting for them to be handed to you. If you see a place where you can contribute, vocalize you are willing to take that task on. This will give you increased visibility among managers and executives and will show that you are a force to be reckoned with. While the initial task may be vague when presented, it is important to look at what the journey can bring you as opposed to focusing on the end destination. You have the power to mold each opportunity and groom them specifically for your professional development. Early on in the journey, it’s also important to find strong mentors that you can lean on for career opportunities, professional advice and expanding your skill set. With such support, the future looks bright for young female minds to break the status quo from decades of underrepresentation."

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Sunita Patro, Product Engineering Manager, Appfire

"I developed a keen interest in programming during my academics and that made engineering an easy and natural choice for me. Within the engineering industry, women play an important role in bringing different perspectives and unique ideas to the table. We are keen observers, and are good at managing various projects at the same time, while also keeping the big picture in mind. This is instrumental in the field of engineering, which is focused on problem solving. Women possess the analytical thinking necessary to help strengthen the quality of the deliverable.

For those looking to enter the field, I encourage you to strengthen your core fundamental skills. Know that engineering serves as the core of the software process, and if you have the enthusiasm and passion to strengthen the core, then you will make an impact. And while you have chosen a challenging path, don’t hesitate to seek help from your coworkers when needed."

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Keavy Murphy, Director of Security, Starburst Data

Skills Gap:

"One of the primary benefits of the cybersecurity space for women interested in breaking into the field, is the fact that there exists what is known as the ‘cybersecurity skills gap.’ This means that there are more jobs available than headcount to fill open information security, risk management and data privacy roles. As a result, shifting into the field is far easier to do than in other engineering verticals - and security job openings are rarely impacted by an unpredictable economic climate!"

Leveraging Transferable Skills:

"While there is a gender imbalance in the security space, I strongly believe that this field is one that is especially welcoming to transferable skills. A variety of soft skills and technical skills can be leveraged to develop a career in cybersecurity. Review a security job posting and ask yourself ‘what have I done in the past that would make me successful in this role?’ and tailor your resume to highlight that. I also encourage women interested in breaking into the security, or risk management field to find a reliable mentor, who can advise them on the transferable skills they can leverage to shift into a career in cybersecurity.  Switching career paths can be a scary transition, though the cybersecurity industry provides a soft landing: there are plenty of job opportunities and the transferable skills women possess make them ideal candidates for the field of risk management."

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Saadia Khan, VP, Engineering, Hammerspace

"This day offers a platform for women engineers to share their experiences, working in a technical industry and the unique challenges many women face building careers and advancing into leadership in the high-tech space. It is an exciting time for the technology sector and engineering disciplines, with opportunities abounding in all types of engineering roles. I have had the opportunity to grow my career by contributing to patents and advancements in open-source software communities. I encourage other like-minded women to examine how they can further their contributions to the technical community by getting involved with both open source and standards work.

International Women in Engineering Day reminds us of the increasing number of women entering engineering disciplines and their significant contributions. We are proud to recognize and uplift the women who have chosen careers in STEM. By profiling women in engineering and sharing our stories, we will inspire the next generation and focus on the exciting career opportunities available to young women interested in entering this industry. With the increasingly rapid development of exciting new technologies, such as AI, our future requires more engineers and will be enriched by the talent and perspectives that women bring to engineering-driven solutions."

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Ziva Tubul, Financial Engineer in Infrastructure, R&D, Wix

"The presence of women in engineering and technology is crucial for paving the way for future generations. As women inspire more women, we shatter the glass ceiling and create a more inclusive industry. To achieve this, the education system should actively encourage girls to explore technological professions and provide engineering and technological toys designed for them. By exposing girls to technology from a young age, we empower them to fearlessly choose technology as a career path.

Women coming up in the field should look for inspiration that ignites their curiosity and instills a sense of accomplishment. They should dare to try new things and most importantly, believe in themselves. Additionally, I encourage individuals to always embrace new opportunities with a positive mindset. This approach opens doors to new challenges and personal growth. Take initiative, embrace responsibility, and seek out fresh experiences. Attend meetups and conferences, read industry blogs, subscribe to professional forums and newspapers, leverage social networks, and follow influential figures in the industry. These avenues will keep female engineers connected, informed, and inspired as they navigate their career."

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Aditi Subbarao, Financial Services Industry Lead, Instabase

"If you are a woman in tech / STEM - you’re already part of a disproportionately small subset, looking to thrive and grow in an environment not built for you. There have been and will continue to be numerous challenges for you to overcome, but the starting point of getting over any of these is the conviction, and the confidence, that you are exactly where you belong, and you deserve your place there. You are not an imposter, you are not a fish out of water, you are not a diversity statistic - you are there because of your effort and hard work. Keep reminding yourself of that and keep believing in yourself."

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Vrushali Prasade, Co-founder & co-CTO at Pixis

"This is an extremely exciting time to be in tech, especially for women. I see the environment evolving constantly, women today are far less likely to back out of a challenge. My strongest piece of advice would be to be resilient and patient in the face of adversity – however big or small the challenge.

To women aspiring to be in tech, I say believe in yourself and have absolute faith in your ideas, and you will succeed. Reach out for help, guidance, and mentorship. Don’t be afraid to fail, fall, and pick yourself back up again. The industry can seem vast and unforgiving but you can carve your place in it, find strong advisors who back you up, and believe in your ideas. Most importantly, know that you have what it takes to succeed in this field that still remains male-dominated. Your unique perspective is necessary to solve the innumerable problems and build an even stronger foundation for the next generation of women.

I think the lack of enough role models, or rather, the lack of coverage of women in the tech space is a big reason why there aren’t as many of us in tech as we’d like. There are comparatively a smaller number of women, which makes it difficult to find women peers to brainstorm with and/or get midcourse advice and mentorship from.

And then there’s the battle with the misconception that women aren’t good with tech, or, interested in it. However, the environment is constantly changing and there are more and more professional females speaking up and paving the way for other women out there and that’s going to help shift the industry’s perception.

In addition to society’s stigma towards a woman’s choice of profession, the lack of role models and peer support in the industry are challenges women in tech face even today. I believe, if young women have access to more women tech leaders, they would feel encouraged and motivated to pursue a career in this industry. Again, this is something that is changing and hopefully in the coming years we will see an increase both for women in tech and cheerleaders for them.

Whether it is a new idea that requires someone to provide meaningful feedback or a solution to a roadblock, I’ve found that women always bring rather surprising and refreshing perspectives. Having more women in tech helps to make innovations more inclusive, accessible, and an instrument for broader social, economic and cultural change in itself."

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Anitha Nagaraja Rao, Lead Technical Solutions Delivery Engineer at Ocient

"We often tend to get too comfortable with our current work /role.  We show reluctance about working on something new or picking different role and end up losing opportunities.

There is no need to fear change. Change brings in steep learning curve, varied work experience, and exposure to different people. It helps grow professionally and personally."

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Nandhitha Sridharan, Senior Product Manager, Whatfix

"One of the significant hardships that women in the technology industry often face is the ongoing struggle to balance family responsibilities with their careers. This challenge becomes even more pronounced after becoming a mother. Personally, I experienced the difficulties of regaining work momentum after maternity leave and dealing with the accompanying feelings of guilt about leaving my child at home.

The journey of returning to work post-maternity involves navigating a range of emotions and obstacles. There are countless sleepless nights taking care of a newborn, followed by demanding workdays filled with client discovery calls and presentations for various stakeholders. Managing the exhaustion and emotional toll while maintaining professional performance can be an uphill battle.

However, I am fortunate to have received invaluable support from my peers and seniors, who have played a crucial role in helping me overcome the challenges associated with resuming work after maternity leave. Their understanding, empathy, and guidance have made a significant difference in my ability to regain my footing in the workplace.

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the importance of workplace policies and cultures that support working mothers. Flexible work arrangements, family-friendly policies, and a supportive network can greatly alleviate the hardships faced by women in technology. Recognizing the unique challenges they encounter and implementing measures to address them is crucial for fostering an inclusive and empowering environment.

It is my hope that as we continue to strive for diversity and equality in the technology industry, we can collectively work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women. By raising awareness of these hardships and implementing measures to address them, we can pave the way for greater success and satisfaction for women in technology roles."

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Nicole Bucala, VP and GM, Cybersecurity Suite, Comcast Technology Solutions  

"Over the past few years we've seen more qualified women serve in technical and leadership roles in cybersecurity. Thanks to mentorship from both men and women alike, women who desire to work in cybersecurity will increasingly find a supportive atmosphere. My current position running the cybersecurity business unit at Comcast Technology Solutions is an example of just that, where my leadership team is comprised of 50% women and 50% men. We have a strong group of capable and inventive women and men working alongside each other at breakneck speed to launch a highly innovative solution, and this really speaks to the strides being made for DE&I."

Erin Hamm, Senior Manager, Product Development and Engineering, Comcast Technology Solutions
 
"My recent experience at the RSA Conference showcased just how many strong women leaders we have across Comcast and within our industry. Among those the team in charge of developing our ground-breaking security data fabric platform, DataBee. There's still work to be done to build an equitable foundation and environment that enables a stronger female presence within the engineering community at large, but we are starting to see the tides really turn in the right direction. I'm so proud to have had female mentors and male allies throughout my career that have paved the way for a variety of innovation and pushing the envelope of cybersecurity."

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Shachar Koresh, Software Developer, WEVO
 
"International Women in Engineering Day holds a special meaning to me as a woman engineer as it symbolizes the recognition and celebration of the contributions made by women in the engineering field. It serves as a platform to highlight the achievements and aspirations of women engineers and remind us of the importance of empowering and inspiring future generations of women in engineering. To foster talent, companies can actively promote gender diversity, create supportive environments, provide mentorship programs, and implement policies that ensure equal opportunities for women worldwide, thus cultivating a thriving and inclusive workforce."

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Sam Maxim, Director of Product Management and Operations, Tamr
 
"Find a community. If there isn’t a “Women in Technology” group - create one! Previously, my coworkers and I started a small get together in the conference room at lunch because we craved that community feeling. When I left that company, they had over 200 members in the group and a yearly operating budget that we put towards community outreach, speaking engagements, and corporate events with other companies. It was surprisingly easy to get started and the company wanted to help us."

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Chrissay Brinkmann, Pre Sales Solution Engineer, Leaseweb USA

"As a woman in engineering, I view International Women in Engineering Day as an opportunity to recognize the achievements of female engineers, spark discussions about the importance of diversity, and most importantly motivate future generations of young girls to pursue careers in STEM. It is a day to recognize that we are fortunate to live in a time when gender does not limit professional opportunities, but we must continue to advocate for equal opportunities and representation in the engineering field.

Engineering is a dynamic field.  At its core, it aims to move technology and innovation forward. Through diversity, organizations and engineers can tap into new markets, embrace unique thought leadership, and continue to lead and initiate change. It is a beautiful thing to embrace diversity, prioritize inclusion, and create a space for women to lead the conversation and push for innovation."

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