Dear IEEE WIE Community,
This spring has been filled with exciting momentum across our global IEEE WIE network as we continue to strengthen partnerships, expand engagement opportunities, and advance leadership in emerging technologies.
One highlight was IEEE WIE’s collaboration with the IEEE Photonics Society during the IEEE Silicon Photonics Conference (SiPhotonics 2026) in Ottawa, Canada, in April 2026. IEEE Canada WIE and the Ottawa WIE Affinity Group organized a special session titled “Leadership at the Intersection of AI and Silicon Photonics,” bringing together distinguished leaders from academia and industry for an engaging panel discussion and networking event. The session showcased the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the growing impact of women leaders shaping the future of photonics and AI.
Panel discussion: Afsoon Shamsabadi, Dr. Aaron Zilkie, Dr. Aref Chowdhury, Dr. Winnie Ye, Dr. Michal Lipson (from left to right).
WIE Booth at the SiPhotonics Conference 2026
In April 2026 alone, 16 new Student Branch Affinity Groups (SBAGs) and 4 new Affinity Groups (AGs) were formed. Since January 1, 2026, IEEE WIE has welcomed a total of 52 new SBAGs and 6 new AGs worldwide. These milestones reflect the dedication of volunteers across Regions who are creating opportunities for connection, mentorship, leadership development, and community-building for women in engineering and technology.
At the leadership level, IEEE WIE has also begun shaping the 2027–2030 strategic roadmap to help guide the next phase of our global growth and impact. Together, we remain focused on fostering inclusion, innovation, collaboration, and leadership opportunities that empower the next generation of STEM leaders worldwide.
As IEEE WIE continues investing in leadership development across career stages and Regions, we are excited to share the following opportunity for members to contribute their voices and expertise on the global stage.
Call for Speakers: 2026 IEEE International Leadership Conference
Theme: Evolution: Advancing Leadership Across Generations
Submit a proposal or nomination for the inaugural IEEE International Leadership Conference, 3–4 October 2026, Budapest.
Celebrate IEEE WIE Day — Start Planning Your Events!
WIE Affinity Groups and Student Branch Affinity Groups are encouraged to plan events, register them in IEEE vTools, and build momentum around initiatives that support this vision.
I am happy to announce that the WIE Distinguished Volunteer and Mentor of the month is Moira Bastos Prates, an inspiring IEEE WIE volunteer, whose leadership and mentorship continue to make a lasting impact on women in engineering.
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
Chair, IEEE Women in Engineering 2025-2026
