Dear IEEE WIE Community,
As we welcome the summer season in many parts of the world, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the incredible momentum we continue to build together. From strategic planning and new partnerships to membership growth and volunteer achievements, the past month has been a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together as one global WIE community.
One of the highlights of the past month was our highly productive IEEE WIE Strategic Roadmap Committee meetings.
Through thoughtful discussion and collaborative planning, the committee identified three prioritized strategic themes that will guide our efforts and investments in the years ahead:
- Member Engagement and Belonging
- Industry and Leadership Pathways
- STEM Pipeline and Future Innovators
These strategic priorities will help us focus our resources and maximize our impact as we continue to grow and strengthen the global WIE community.
Another exciting opportunity this month was our partnership with the IEEE Photonics Society and Optica at the International Photonics North Conference 2026 in Quebec City, Canada. On June 4, I had the privilege of serving as a panelist alongside Dr. Angeles Camacho and Dr. Lewis Hill, with the session expertly moderated by Dr. Matthew Plotner. Our discussion explored leadership, career development, and opportunities for women in photonics and engineering. Collaborations such as these demonstrate the power of working across organizations and disciplines to advance innovation, inclusion, and professional growth.
Our global network continues to expand as well.
Since our last report on May 4, we have welcomed 5 new IEEE WIE Student Branch Affinity Groups and 2 new IEEE WIE Affinity Groups.
These newly formed groups represent additional opportunities to connect, engage, and empower women in engineering and technology around the world.
Congratulations and thank you to the volunteers and local leaders whose efforts made these new formations possible.
Celebrating Excellence and Impact
It is my great pleasure to announce the recipients of the 2026 IEEE Women in Engineering Awards. These outstanding individuals and groups exemplify leadership, service, innovation, and dedication to advancing women in engineering.
- IEEE WIE Technology and Leadership Award (Sponsored by Walmart Global Tech) – Winner: Preeti Bajaj (Region 10).
- WIE Affinity Group of the Year Award – Winner: IEEE WIE Ottawa Affinity Group (Region 7).
- WIE Student Branch Affinity Group of the Year Award – Winner: American University of Beirut IEEE WIE Student Branch Affinity Group (Region 8).
WIE Inspiring Member of the Year Award – Winner: Ilhem Kallel (Region 8). - WIE Inspiring Student Member of the Year Award – Winner: Amanda Thais dos Reis Fernandes (Region 9).
2026 Edith Hannigan McHale Scholarship – Winner: Kaylee Malca, Senior, John Adams High School, New York, USA. Kaylee is attending the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute to study Cybersecurity.
Please join me in congratulating all of our award recipients. Their accomplishments inspire us all and reflect the extraordinary talent, leadership, and commitment found throughout our global IEEE WIE community.
Looking Ahead!
I would like to remind everyone about IEEE Sections Congress 2026, taking place from 21–23 August in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
IEEE WIE will have a strong presence throughout the event, including an IEEE WIE Booth, 3 Ignite Sessions, and 2 Breakout Sessions.
We look forward to connecting with IEEE volunteers and leaders from around the world, sharing ideas, building new partnerships, and showcasing the impact of IEEE Women in Engineering.
As IEEE WIE continues to invest in leadership development and create opportunities for members across all career stages and Regions, we are pleased to highlight an exciting opportunity to engage with the broader global leadership community.
Call for Partners: 2026 IEEE International Leadership Conference
Theme: Evolution: Advancing Leadership Across Generations
Partner with IEEE ILC Conference to connect with global tech leaders, influencers, and decision-makers.
We encourage you to share this opportunity within your professional networks and communities:
Celebrate IEEE WIE Day
WIE Affinity Groups and Student Branch Affinity Groups – We are almost getting ready to celebrate WIE Day. Please register your events in IEEE vTools. Let’s build momentum around initiatives that support the WIE vision.
I am happy to announce that the WIE Distinguished Volunteer and Mentor of the month is Jale Sadreddini, IEEE WIE Ottawa Section Chair.
Together, let us continue to innovate, lead, and inspire STEM professionals around the world. Thank you for being part of this remarkable global IEEE WIE community and for helping shape a more inclusive and impactful future.
Dr. Winnie Ye
2025-2026 IEEE WIE Chair
