IEEE WIE Distinguished Volunteer and Mentor series highlights a dedicated WIE volunteer who is well known for his/her notable contribution to IEEE WIE.

In this issue, we feature Rashmi Agarwal, a dedicated WIE volunteer.

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

Agarwal: My journey with IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) has genuinely transformed me, both professionally and personally. When I joined WIE in 2019, I stepped into an exciting world of opportunities. In those early days, I focused on event organization, which was instrumental in revitalizing the IEEE YMCA Student Branch.

Slowly but surely, I developed strong networking skills and gained confidence while being part of teams responsible for significant events like Delcon 2020 and INDISCON 2022.

My time with WIE has been foundational for my leadership growth. Taking on leadership roles and organizing impactful initiatives, such as the IEEE WIE International Leadership Summit , Eco-Tech hands-on workshops, technical events like cybersecurity , one week workshop on Innovation, Sustainability and leadership and many more broadened my understanding of inclusive innovation and the importance of engineering solutions that benefit society.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being involved with WIE has been mentoring and collaborating with an amazing group of young women in STEM from various universities. I have also collaborate with Hitachi Energy and NGO’s to help financially deprived girls with financial and technical support .This experience has deepened my commitment to promoting equity in technical education. I’ve sharpened my event management and communication skills while connecting with inspiring figures like Prof. Prerna Gaur India Council Chair2025, Ms. Agnes Irwanti WIE Chair 2025, Prof. Celia Shenaz, Prof. Ramlaitha, and now Dr. Winnie, WIE chair 2025. WIE has also opened doors to emerging technologies through connections with researchers, policymakers, and industry experts. WIE also help in addressing health challenges in alignment with United Nations SDG goals by celebrating ‘World Health Day’.

A highlight of my journey was becoming an international speaker at SYWLC 2024 in Tokyo, which I will always cherish. On a personal level, the impact of WIE has been profound. It has given me purpose and instilled a sense of confidence within me. I’ve grown into a resilient and empathetic leader who can translate technical skills into meaningful community contributions. WIE has amplified my voice and extended my influence beyond academic settings, allowing me to contribute positively to both gender equity and technological advancements.

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

Agarwal:

  • Hands-On Training on Power Electronics Projects in collaboration with Power Electronics Society : Buck-Boost Converters, MPPT, and Solar Inverters. I’m thrilled to introduce this intensive one-day workshop aimed at equipping students, early researchers, and tech enthusiasts with both practical skills and theoretical insights on essential power electronics systems used in renewable energy. Participants will engage in interactive sessions where they will design, simulate, and implement: – Buck and Boost Converters for voltage regulation – MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) techniques for solar charge controllers – Basic Solar Inverter Circuits for DC-AC conversion Our focus will be on real-life applications within solar PV systems, energy-efficient solutions, and more.
  • “Returning Mother’s Day” Celebration: We’re introducing “Returning Mother’s Day” as a way to blend technical excellence with empathy. This celebration will honour women professionals returning to their careers after maternity leave. Representatives from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and invited dignitaries will engage in discussions on creating better support systems for working mothers in STEM.
  • International Summit on SYNHERGY: Sustainability, Nurturing, Innovation, Energy Celebrating Women on Global Impact.
  • Student Innovation Drive – Build Your Own Solar Light: We’re also excited to host a DIY workshop encouraging grassroots innovation, where students will: – Build low-cost solar lights – Enhance their prototyping skills – Promote sustainable energy solutions for underprivileged communities.
  • Celebrations of IEEE day (being IEEE day ambassador):We have planned to organize five days series of event including lecture series and hackathons .

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

Agarwal: One of the toughest challenges I faced was returning to academia after a 10-year career gap. After starting my journey in the industry, I took a pause for personal responsibilities and found it daunting to re-enter the ever-evolving tech landscape after such a long time. Fueled by a desire to contribute to engineering, I pursued postgraduate studies and eventually a PhD. The learning curve was steep, but it built my resilience, adaptability, and academic strength. Joining WIE in 2019 was a turning point—it helped rebuild my professional confidence, open doors to leadership opportunities, and reconnect me with emerging trends. The biggest lesson I’ve learned? It’s never too late to start again. With the right mindset and support, challenges can truly become stepping stones.

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

Agarwal: Staying updated in my professional field is essential for growth and success. I believe it’s important to continuously learn and adapt to new trends and advancements. I make it a habit to read industry-related articles, attend workshops, and participate in networking events to connect with other professionals. Engaging in online forums and following thought leaders on social media also helps me stay informed. By embracing a lifelong learning mindset, I aim to enhance my skills and contribute meaningfully to my field.

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

Agarwal: To me, mentorship is all about empowerment, helping individuals discover their potential and blossom into confident professionals. My unique journey, including a significant career break, taught me the value of encouragement, empathy, and structured guidance. As part of the Student Activity Committee, I actively mentor students in conceptualizing and leading IEEE events that enhance their technical and leadership skills. I believe in giving students ownership of their projects while offering strategic support along the way. In 2024, I organized the IEEE Young Professionals Annual Meet during the International Leadership Summit, fostering cross-generational dialogues and networking opportunities.

In 2025, I had the privilege of serving as a judge at YESIST, where I guided students from diverse backgrounds in refining their innovative ideas.

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