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 Shweta Behere, Chair, IEEE WIE Santa Clara Valley Section.
IEEE WIE: How has your experience with IEEE WIE shaped your career and personal growth?
Behere: “My journey with IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) has been both inspiring and transformative. It has given me a platform to connect with peers, mentors, and leaders who continue to motivate and challenge me. I first stepped into leadership with the Santa Clara Valley WIE group in 2020 as Election Nomination Committee Chair, later serving as Secretary (2021), Treasurer (2022), and now, I’m honored to serve as Chair for 2025-2026.
Each of these roles has allowed me to foster meaningful relationships, strengthen our local community, and create opportunities for others to engage and grow. Beyond the local level, I had the privilege of publishing an article in the IEEE WIE Magazine in 2020, “Being a Tech Mom: And Acing It,” which was widely appreciated. That experience amplified my voice on a global stage and reminded me of the power of sharing personal stories to inspire others.
The combination of local leadership and global outreach has helped me sharpen my skills, expand my network, and contribute to advancing technology and inclusion in ways that are both personally fulfilling and professionally impactful.”
IEEE WIE: What innovative projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you believe will make a significant impact?
Behere: “In 2025, IEEE SCV WIE has focused on creating high-impact platforms that amplify women’s voices in AI and technology.
Women in AI Summit 2025 – Our flagship event brought together women researchers, industry leaders, and AI enthusiasts to share insights, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful connections. The sessions were both thought-provoking and practical, creating a vibrant space for collaboration and inspiration.
AI Infra Summit 2025 – We hosted a dedicated panel on “Powering Women in AI Infrastructure”, where we explored the challenges women face in entering the AI infrastructure space and shared strategies for building thriving careers in this critical field.
Together, these initiatives have strengthened our local community, sparked new collaborations, and encouraged more women to join and actively participate in IEEE WIE. The growing engagement we’re seeing is a testament to the lasting impact of these efforts.”
IEEE WIE: Can you share a moment when you overcame a significant challenge in your professional journey and what you learned from it?
Behere: “”One of the most significant challenges in my professional journey came when I became a parent. Balancing the demands of raising children while pursuing a career was far from easy, it often felt like I couldn’t do everything I once aimed to. I had to learn that success doesn’t come from doing it all, but from making conscious choices every day about what truly matters in that moment.
This experience taught me the importance of prioritization, adaptability, and self-compassion. It also gave me a deeper sense of empathy as a leader, understanding that behind every professional is a person managing multiple roles.”
IEEE WIE: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field?
Behere: “”AI and cloud platform engineering evolve at an incredibly rapid pace, and keeping up can often feel overwhelming. My approach is to take it step by step. I focus on learning one new tool, technology, or skill at a time, starting with hands-on exercises to build confidence. Once I gain familiarity, I deepen my knowledge by discussing with peers who use it or by exploring best practices from the broader community.
This cycle of practice, discussion, and refinement keeps me in a continuous learning loop. It not only helps me stay current, but also makes the process engaging and sustainable over the long term.”
IEEE WIE: What role do you think mentorship plays in the success of young professionals, and how do you approach mentoring others?
Behere: ““Mentorship is a powerful catalyst in shaping a young professional’s career, especially in the early stages when guidance and perspective can make all the difference. I was fortunate to have mentors and role models who inspired me, and their support continues to influence how I lead today.
When I mentor others, I begin by understanding their goals and expectations. From there, I tailor our conversations to help them navigate challenges and build on their strengths. I focus on ensuring steady progress toward their objectives, while also encouraging them to think bigger and explore new opportunities.”
