The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a not-for-profit educational and service organization that empowers women to succeed and advance in the field of engineering, and to be recognized for their life-changing contributions as engineers and leaders. Founded in 1950, SWE is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career for women through an exciting array of training and development programs, networking opportunities, scholarships, outreach and advocacy activities, and much more.

Organization

For nearly six decades, SWE has given women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry. Our organization is centered around a passion for our members’ success and continues to evolve with the challenges and opportunities reflected in today’s exciting engineering and technology specialties.

We invite you to explore the values, principles, and priorities that guide our initiatives and learn how together, WE can continue to make a lasting impact on the future.

SWE Mission (Adopted in 1986)

Stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity.

SWE Objectives (Adopted in 1950)

• Inform young women, their parents, counselors, and the general public, of the qualifications and achievements of women engineers and the opportunities open to them.
• Assist women in readying themselves for a return to active work after temporary retirement.
• Serve as a center of information on women in engineering.
• Encourage women engineers to attain high levels of education and professional achievement.

Strategic Priorities

SWE’s 3- to 5-Year Planning Horizon Strategies
Growing the Profession – Outreach

• There will be an increase in women choosing to enter the engineering and technology profession.

Professional Excellence

• Women in engineering and technology will excel professionally, and their achievements will be showcased and valued.

Industry Catalyst

• SWE will be a catalyst for changing the professional climate to enable women in engineering and technology to excel.

Inclusive Global Community

• Women in Engineering and Technology and SWE stakeholders find value inSWE as a diverse, inclusive global community.

Values

Integrity

We aspire to the highest level of ethical behavior as evidenced by honesty and dignity in our personal and professional relationships and responsibilities.

Inclusive Environment

We embrace diversity in its broadest interpretation and commit to creating an inclusive environment for all our members and stakeholders. We value the contributions of a diverse membership, which enables SWE to achieve its full potential.

Mutual Support

We provide an organization that fosters mentoring, and the development of professional and personal networks.

Professional Excellence

We conduct our activities in a professional manner, demonstrating and demanding the highest standards of business practices.

Trust

We share a common definition of success, with open, transparent access to common information, building mutual respect and confidence in the competence of those with whom we lead, serve and partner with.

Diversity Principles

At SWE, we acknowledge and respect the value of a diverse community. We recognize that the scope of diversity includes race/ethnicity, family status, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and occupational focus. Our society will maintain an environment that is supportive of these elements and we will promote inclusion within our organization and the engineering community.

We Commit to:

• Developing women in engineering across socio-economic strata and occupational focus.
• Encouraging the interest and active participation of women and girls of under-represented ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans.
• Providing support to women which acknowledges and respects differences in family status, sexual orientation, age, and physical abilities.

We will ensure that all by-laws, policies, and charters support SWE’s commitment to diversity. We will align with and participate in those activities and organizations that encourage all dimensions of diversity.

Consideration of these and other elements of diversity will guide the statements and activities of the Society. Nothing in this statement is intended or shall be construed to unlawfully deprive any person of his or her educational and employment opportunities, compensation, and/or benefits.

*From the Society of Women Engineers website at http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org