The Temple Chapter of Society of Women Engineers (SWE) prides itself of on their welcoming and inclusive environment. Open to anyone who supports women in engineering, SWE provides a strong support system for its members with ample professional opportunities.
SWE hosts their general body meetings approximately once a month with additional meetings such as study sessions, panels, workshops, social meetings and many others throughout the semester.
As part of the SWE national organization, members who opt to pay national dues can participate in nationwide workshops, volunteer opportunities, research programs, scholarships, and many other benefits.
This past fall, SWE took around 10 members to the national conference in Chicago. Thanks to their fundraising efforts, including alumni donations and support from the College of Engineering, the students were able to travel to the conference with their costs fully covered.
Elena Reyes Plazola, SWE President, and Rutva Hadap, Community Service Chair, described the experience as incredibly eye opening and look forward to attending future conferences. Hadap even secured her summer internship at the conference’s career fair.
"Because I went to the national conference last semester, I got an internship for this summer,” she explains. “I talked to an employer at the career fair and then I interviewed on the spot, and they gave me the offer that night.”
Alongside the professional benefits, Reyes Plazola and Hadap describe the support system and community aspect of SWE as an enhancement to their time at the College of Engineering. As e-board members, they hope to continue fostering a welcoming and supportive community.
“SWE has helped...connect me with people. Just studying alongside with other girls that are also struggling with the same classes I am. It's just great. It makes you feel less alone,” Reyes Plazola shares. She emphasizes the intersectionality of SWE and works to uphold its goal as a club that is open to all.
Rutva echos her sentiments, stating, “My favorite part is the community we’ve built. It’s really nice to see a familiar face in your classes...it’s just nice to know that you’re not going through it alone.”
Students interested in joining can stop by any meeting. Members are not required to pay national dues to be a part of the Temple SWE chapter. Upcoming meetings are announced on their Instagram page, @templeswe.