On February 20th, 2025, the Dallas Society of Women Engineers (SWE) hosted an insightful professional development event at la Madeleine in Dallas, TX. The event, part of the celebration for National Engineers Week, focused on the SHINE method—a powerful tool for maintaining creativity and combating burnout in demanding professions like engineering.
The evening featured Sammy Zellner, a Process Engineer at Texas Instruments, who shared her personal journey and strategies for managing the intense demands of her role. With a background in Materials Science and firsthand experience in the 24/7 nature of manufacturing, Sammy provided valuable insights into balancing a full-time job, active SWE involvement, and personal commitments while still making time for self-care and creativity.
Participants learned about the SHINE method, which stands for Selfcare, Hobbies, Inspire & Imagine, Nest, and Everyday. This approach encourages individuals to find joy in the little things, prioritize self-care, and maintain a creative mindset despite the pressures of their careers. Sammy emphasized the importance of creating routines that incorporate these elements to prevent burnout and sustain professional efficacy.
The event was well-attended, with engineers and professionals from various fields engaging in discussions about the challenges of maintaining work-life balance. Attendees left with practical strategies to implement in their daily lives, inspired to tackle burnout and foster innovation in their careers.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this enriching session. We look forward to seeing you at our future events as we continue to support and empower engineers in their professional journeys!
