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 Dr. Sneha Satish Hegde.
IEEE WIE: How has your experience with IEEE WIE shaped your career and personal growth?
Hegde: Being part of IEEE WIE has been a great experience that has shaped both my career and personal growth. I believe WIE is still in its early stages, with much more potential to grow and create more meaningful opportunities for women engineers.
What I love most about this community is the people. I’ve had the chance to meet so many inspiring engineers from different parts of the world and learn from their experiences. It has helped me grow, expand my network, and become more passionate about supporting women in engineering. I’m grateful to be part of this journey and excited to see what more we can achieve together.
IEEE WIE: What innovative projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you believe will make a significant impact?
Hegde: I’ve been actively volunteering with IEEE for the past two years, and I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact we can create through its ecosystem. Access to education varies across countries, and when IEEE volunteers develop solutions that leave a lasting impact on communities, it’s truly incredible.
One such initiative is the Service Learning Project co-lead by DEIS WIE and CS SYP, which focuses on providing STEM education to female students in Kibera, Kenya. Projects like these align perfectly with IEEE’s mission, making a real difference where it matters most.
Beyond this, we’ve been building strong partnerships with organizations like the International Energy Agency (IEA), IRENA, World Bank, etc to create more opportunities for young professionals. A key focus has been ensuring meaningful youth participation in high-level discussions on policies, NDCs, and sustainability. This was also a major discussion point at COP29, where the challenge remains: How do we integrate youth voices effectively in shaping global policies?
These are just a few of the many initiatives that are making a real impact. Through such efforts, we aim to bridge gaps, empower communities, and ensure young professionals have a seat at the table where critical decisions are made.
IEEE WIE: Can you share a moment when you overcame a significant challenge in your professional journey and what you learned from it?
Hegde: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career is the gender gap in the technical field. In IEEE DEIS, for example, only about 7.8% of members are women, and even if there are others who haven’t joined yet, the number is still quite low.
Moving to a new country, adapting to a different language and culture, was another big challenge. I also noticed that not many women pursue higher studies, and even fewer choose electrical engineering. This made me realize even more of the gender gap in the field
Through these experiences, I’ve learned that the best way forward is to block out distractions and stay focused on what truly matters. More than anything, this journey has taught me patience, whether it’s in breaking barriers, adjusting to new environments, or staying committed to my goals.
IEEE WIE: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field?
Hegde: Being part of IEEE’s technical societies and attending technical conferences, as well as reading IEEE Transactions and magazines, helps me stay updated with the latest innovations and advancements in the field.
IEEE WIE: What role do you think mentorship plays in the success of young professionals, and how do you approach mentoring others?
Hegde: Mentorship plays a huge role in the success of young professionals. Having someone to guide you, share experiences, and offer advice can make a big difference, especially when navigating challenges or making career decisions. But I also believe that mentorship is something we have to actively seek out, it’s up to us to reach out to people we admire. The worst that can happen is they’re too busy, but without trying, we miss out on valuable connections.
When it comes to mentoring others, I try to be open and approachable. I share my experiences honestly, offer encouragement, and help connect people with the right opportunities. Sometimes, all someone needs is reassurance that they’re on the right track, and I think that’s just as important as giving advice. For me, mentorship is about creating a supportive space where people feel comfortable asking questions and growing in their own way.
