The IEEE WIE Distinguished Volunteer and Mentor series highlights a dedicated WIE volunteer who is well known for their notable contributions to IEEE WIE.
In this issue, we feature Fan Hua, the WIE Affinity Group Chair of the IEEE Chengdu Section.
IEEE WIE: How has your experience with IEEE WIE shaped your career and personal growth?
Hua: “I am the lead for the 2026 IEEE Women in Engineering International Leadership Summit (ILS). The 2026 IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) International Leadership Summit concluded successfully at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) on July 11, 2026. Marking for the first time, this flagship global IEEE WIE event has been held in Southwest China. The summit brought together top‑tier scholars, industry leaders, and young students from across the globe in Chengdu to discuss the future development of STEM fields. Centered on the theme of “Empowering Leadership in Engineering and Innovation,” the event was co‑hosted by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) and the IEEE Chengdu Section.”
IEEE WIE: What innovative projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you believe will make a significant impact?
Hua: “I leverage my roles as Chair of the IEEE WIE Chengdu Section and Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers to actively participate in international conferences, engage with relevant international academic organizations, strengthen exchanges and collaboration, and enhance the platform’s influence.”
IEEE WIE: Can you share a moment when you overcame a significant challenge in your professional journey and what you learned from it?
Hua: “When stepping into international academic services for the first time, I encountered cross‑cultural communication barriers and heavy multitasking pressure. By continuous practice and active communication with global peers, I gradually adapted to the role and learned to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining rigorous academic standards.”
IEEE WIE: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field?
Hua: “Faced with tight deadlines and unexpected technical setbacks in a key research project, I stayed focused, iterated solutions step‑by‑step and collaborated closely with teammates to finally deliver the desired results. This experience taught me that persistence and effective teamwork are critical to resolving complex engineering challenges.”
IEEE WIE: What role do you think mentorship plays in the success of young professionals, and how do you approach mentoring others?
Hua: ” In my own mentoring practice, I maintain a balanced approach: I offer constructive feedback on technical challenges and academic writing, yet I refrain from imposing fixed solutions. I encourage young talents to voice their own ideas, embrace reasonable trial‑and‑error, and foster their critical thinking and long‑term career awareness alongside skill development”.
