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 Jale Sadreddini, IEEE WIE Ottawa Section Chair

IEEE WIE: How has your experience with IEEE WIE shaped your career and personal growth?

Sadreddini: “My experience with IEEE WIE has significantly shaped both my professional and personal growth. It has allowed me to translate ideas into impactful events that drive engagement and visibility, while strengthening my leadership through organizing diverse initiatives. It has also enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills through collaboration with global teams and fostered community building by creating inclusive and supportive environments.”

IEEE WIE: What innovative projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you believe will make a significant impact?

Sadreddini: “Currently, I am leading and contributing to a range of initiatives to increase technical engagement and community impact. These include organizing events in areas such as AI/ML, 6G, and Silicon Photonics, as well as expanding IEEE WIE Ottawa through new roles in AI outreach and social media. I am also working to grow our LinkedIn following beyond 2K to strengthen our outreach. In addition, we are introducing creative initiatives such as movie nights, painting workshops, author-led sessions, and free book raffles to enhance engagement and knowledge sharing. We are also actively organizing IEEE WIE Day 2026 as a key global engagement event.

In Summary:

– Leading diverse technical and professional events (e.g., 6G, UxS, Silicon Photonics) to bridge academia and industry
– Expanding IEEE WIE Ottawa with new roles (AI outreach, social media) to increase impact and visibility
– Organizing IEEE WIE Day 2026 to foster global engagement and empower women in engineering
– Growing LinkedIn presence to 1K+ followers, strengthening outreach and community engagement
– Hosting author-led sessions and organizing free book raffles to promote knowledge sharing
– Introducing creative initiatives (movie nights, painting workshops) to strengthen community connection
– Building international collaborations and co-hosted events to scale outreach beyond local boundaries”

IEEE WIE: Can you share a moment when you overcame a significant challenge in your professional journey and what you learned from it?

Sadreddini: “One key challenge has been limited event budgets and complex reimbursement and claim processes, which often impact planning and execution timelines. Another distinct challenge has been motivating student participation, which requires continuous effort to design engaging, value-driven, and inclusive programs. These experiences have strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and ability to deliver impact despite operational constraints.”

IEEE WIE: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field?

Sadreddini: “I stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements by actively participating in IEEE conferences, technical workshops, and professional events. I also engage with the global IEEE WIE network and collaborate with international peers. Additionally, I follow industry leaders and organizations through LinkedIn and take part in knowledge-sharing sessions, including expert and author talks. Within IEEE WIE Ottawa, I remain engaged with emerging topics through AI and industry outreach initiatives. I am also a core member of the WE team at Ericsson and actively stay connected with different professional communities to broaden my perspective and remain up to date with industry developments.”

IEEE WIE: What role do you think mentorship plays in the success of young professionals, and how do you approach mentoring others?

Sadreddini: “Mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of young professionals by building confidence, offering guidance, and helping them navigate their career paths. It provides access to real-world insights and opportunities that go beyond academic learning. In my approach, I focus on being approachable and supportive, encouraging individuals to take initiative, participate in events, and build their own networks while fostering an inclusive environment where they feel empowered to grow and lead.”