Presenter: Jeewika Ranaweera
Abstract: The metaverse, a rapidly evolving digital frontier, offers unprecedented opportunities and challenges for engineers. This webinar aims to empower women engineers by exploring the myriad possibilities that the metaverse presents, while also addressing the unique challenges and barriers they might face. We will delve into new career paths and roles emerging within this virtual realm, highlighting the skills needed to be at the forefront of metaverse development.
Participants will gain insights into the latest technological advancements driving the metaverse, from virtual and augmented reality to blockchain and artificial intelligence. We will discuss essential skills and knowledge areas crucial for thriving in this dynamic environment and provide resources for ongoing education and professional development. Additionally, the webinar will tackle issues of gender bias, diversity, and inclusion, offering strategies to ensure equitable participation and representation of women in the metaverse. By analyzing the broader societal impact and ethical considerations, we will underscore the importance of women engineers in shaping a responsible and inclusive metaverse.
Join us to explore the future trends and technologies that are transforming industries and learn how you can leverage the metaverse for your professional growth and innovation. This webinar is a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and lead in the burgeoning landscape of the metaverse.
Bio: Jeewika Ranaweera is an engineer, author, illustrator, inventor, and sustainability champion. She is an active volunteer for IEEE Future Directions, IEEE Women in Engineering, IEEE Computer Society, IEEE Electron Device Society, and IEEE Engineering Accreditation Commission. Her outstanding contributions led to her
induction into IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu as a Professional Member of the Eta Chapter of the Board of Governors in 2023. She is a co-chair of the IEEE Metaverse initiative
and a member-at-large for IEEE Women in Engineering.
Jeewika authored an eBook chronicling her engineering journey for IEEE Women in Engineering, aiming to motivate individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Additionally, she illustrated the very first children's book published by IEEE.
Recognized as one of the Women Engineers You Should Know in 2023; by the Society of Women Engineers, she has also been a prominent figure in IEEE WIE
Santa Clara Valley, serving as both chair and co-chair. Her dedication earned her the prestigious; Outstanding member who promoted women in engineering; award
from IEEE WIE SCV in 2020.
Jeewika is devoted to eliminating bias in artificial intelligence, particularly its discriminatory impact on women and historically marginalized groups. As co-chair
of the IEEE Metaverse Initiative, she actively addresses the growing digital divide arising from hardware and connectivity disparities. Her commitment is further
demonstrated through her frequent tech talks, wherein she sheds light on these crucial issues.
She attained her bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from CUJAE in Havana, Cuba, followed by her master’s and PhD. degrees in Electrical
and Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada. Throughout her academic journey, Jeewika has contributed to numerous technical journal
publications and presented her research at international conferences. Her inventive spirit has resulted in the acquisition of five US Patents.
Jeewika Ranaweera’s dynamic skills, unwavering dedication to equality in technology, and numerous accolades serve as an inspiration to aspiring engineers worldwide. Through her pioneering work and tireless efforts, she continues to pave the way towards a more inclusive and innovative technological landscape, benefiting individuals from all walks of life.
