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 Naznin Akter,
IEEE WIE: How has your experience with IEEE WIE shaped your career and personal growth?
Akter: “IEEE WIE has shaped my career and personal growth by providing:
1. A platform to strengthen my executive presence, strategic communication and leadership skills.
2. Access to a trusted global network of accomplished women leaders who have navigated parallel challenges.
3. The confidence to lead authentically while commanding the room with clarity and purpose.
4. The discipline to articulate ideas with precision, authority, and impact.
5. A deep commitment to inclusive leadership—ensuring we rise by elevating others.
IEEE WIE transformed challenges into leadership capital and shaped my voice as a global engineering leader.”
IEEE WIE: What innovative projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you believe will make a significant impact?
Akter: “I am currently serving as Co-Chair of the IEEE Global WIE Ambassador Initiative. This strategic program is designed to identify, empower, and elevate exceptional leaders who will represent IEEE WIE at local, regional, and global levels.
Through this initiative, we are building a structured leadership pipeline that amplifies IEEE WIE’s mission at the grassroots level while strengthening global visibility, collaboration, and sustainable impact across regions.”
IEEE WIE: Can you share a moment when you overcame a significant challenge in your professional journey and what you learned from it?
Akter: “Early in my career, I learned that having a strong idea is not enough—strategic communication is equally critical. I experienced a moment where lack of assertive positioning nearly sidelined my contribution.
That experience reinforced three lessons:
1. Clearly articulate your vision.
2. Document and advocate for your work confidently.
3. Lead conversations rather than waiting for recognition.
Leadership requires courage, clarity, and ownership.”
IEEE WIE: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field?
Akter: “I practice “Shoshin”—the “beginner’s mindset,” a philosophy rooted in Japanese leadership culture that emphasizes continuous curiosity.
As a semiconductor professional, I consistently engage with industry reports, technical journals, conference proceedings, executive interviews, and emerging technology forecasts. Continuous learning is non-negotiable.
Remaining informed not only strengthens technical expertise but enables strategic foresight—positioning leaders to anticipate industry shifts and shape future roadmaps.”
IEEE WIE: What role do you think mentorship plays in the success of young professionals, and how do you approach mentoring others?
Akter: “Mentorship is a strategic accelerator. While every career journey is unique, mentors provide perspective, pattern recognition, and wisdom gained through experience.
I approach mentoring with three principles:
1. Listen deeply before advising.
2. Provide strategic guidance, not just tactical answers.
3. Empower mentees to build confidence and independent judgment.
Mentorship is not about giving directions—it is about developing future leaders.
“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves. Steven Spielberg””
