Profession: President, Vaughn College, New York City, NY

How did you first get involved in IEEE Women in Engineering?

Vaughn College has several faculty who are members of IEEE, we have a student chapter and two of our board members are connected to IEEE. In fact, our current chair of the board of trustees is the chair of the IEEE entrepreneurship committee. He is a long-time member of IEEE and has fostered a stronger understanding and connection.

Why did you decide to become a WIE member?
Vaughn College offers degrees in engineering, aviation, management and technology. The student population is about 13 percent female and we need the best ideas about how to find and retain women to this world-changing field. I joined WIE to learn, as well as contribute to the development of methods that engage girls, particularly minority girls, and offer them the opportunity to pursue the field.

What do you wish other people knew about IEEE WIE?
There is a dedicated group of women who want to truly support women in all phases of their professional careers and are constantly exploring new ways to support greater involvement by women in IEEE.

What is it like to be an IEEE WIE Volunteer, and what do you enjoy about it? 

I am fortunate to be a liaison between the Educational Activities Board and WIE and, I am working to foster a stronger connection between these two groups to impact women and girls especially at the pre-university level. I am so incredibly impressed by the level of work that the WIE board is engaged in to create pathways for girls and women in engineering. Their passion, dedication and committee to making a difference is inspiring.

Why do you feel it is important for women to enter into the field of engineering?
The challenges that we need to solve as a society require a diversity of thought to develop the best solutions. We will only arrive at the best solutions with women on the team, leading the team, in the C-suite and at the table as a member of the board.