News & Events

January PD Event Recap

by Dallas SWE on in Professional Development

Dallas SWE was delighted to hold a captivating Professional Development Event on January 17, 2024, hosted by PACCAR Inc. North Texas in Lewisville. The highlight of the evening was the insightful session led by Lauren Hasson, the brilliant mind behind DEVELOP[HER].

Lauren, an accomplished Director of Software Engineering in Silicon Valley, shared her journey from adversity to success. Her story resonated with attendees, illustrating how resilience and determination can lead to remarkable achievements. The event was not just about learning but also fostering a sense of community.

Michele Rodgers, a prominent advocate for women in the Trucking industry, provided a warm introduction, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the Peterbilt Women’s Initiative Group and the PACCAR Women’s Association as well as background on PACCAR’s contributions in the trucking industry through Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks. PACCAR even arranged for a semi to greet all attendees!

The evening was a perfect blend of learning and networking, with attendees engaging in meaningful discussions and having the opportunity to pose questions to Lauren. Participants enjoyed refreshments/pizza and had the chance to win exciting giveaways, including a wonderful swag basket courtesy of PACCAR and desk necessities from SWE.

The event had an excellent attendance rate with over 23 SWE members and allies. The PD committee is excited to continue bringing well-received events to the Dallas-SWE community.

If you are interested in connecting with Lauren or PACCAR, please reach out to Nicole Anklam through the Dallas SWE email.

Get more involved with Dallas SWE in 2024!

by Dallas SWE on in Announcements

As we get into 2024, Dallas SWE has a lot of exciting programming in motion and we need your support to continue delivering great programming. All Dallas SWE Committees are looking for more volunteers! We are excited about gearing up for more great events, many of which will be in person. To do so, we need your help! Our Committees are a great way to build your leadership experience and network while volunteering your time to areas you are passionate about. Dallas SWE depends on volunteers for all local activities so any commitment you can make is greatly appreciated!

You can read about each of our committees here.

Please complete the FY24 Committee Interest Survey here. All are welcome to support these great committees!

Pathways 2 College Event Recap

by Dallas SWE on in Outreach

On December 2, 2024, SWE-Dallas joined forces with the Dallas chapters of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) to host the transformative 2024 Pathways 2 College Conference with the theme of STEM in Action! The primary objective of the event was to equip rising juniors and seniors in high school with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the college preparation process. Our VP of Professional Development, Nicole Anklam, acted as MC for the day.

The day started with the host, SMU’s Lyle College of Engineering Admissions office, giving a breakdown of all they have to offer their students and the different programs they offer. The conference featured a lineup of insightful speakers who covered a wide array of topics. Shane Bybee went over the art of crafting compelling college application essays and demystifying the application process. Attendees also had the privilege of hearing from Jay Veal and Tandy Caraway on scholarship applications, changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in their presentation “On My Mama, On My Hood, Money Looks Fly, Scholarships are Good!” The last session was on strategies for managing finances and time in “Staying on Top of Things” by Lawrence Hatchett.

The students also were able to see a collegiate panel held during lunch, featuring speakers from NSBE and SHPE who shared practical tips and advice for thriving in college. Local companies actively participated in the event, offering hands-on activities and presentations that allowed students to gain a deeper understanding of STEM fields. The culmination of the conference was marked by the awarding of approximately $5000 in scholarships to deserving applicants, underscoring the commitment of the three organizations and sponsors to supporting the educational aspirations of future STEM students and leaders.

P2C served as an empowering environment for young minds as they embark on their journey towards higher education. As a result, the conference made a significant impact on the lives of the attendees, arming them with the tools and knowledge necessary to confidently navigate their paths to college and beyond.

February Member of the Month: Ogechi Ugwulebo

by Dallas SWE on in Membership Appreciation

Congrats to Ogechi Ugwulebo, Dallas SWE’s February Member of the Month!

Nigerian-born Ogechi Ugwulebo serves as the Founder and CEO of two impactful organizations: the Association of Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals (ANWEP) and Women in STEM Leadership (WISL). A Certified Information Security Manager with incomparable hands-on-experience in software development, information security governance, enterprise risk management, and data privacy, Ogechi, who specifically comes from a background of over 20 years experience within the Healthcare Information Technology industry, is successfully blending her formidable intellect with her technological expertise to break the glass ceiling in a hitherto male-dominated discipline.

Ogechi’s journey in the field of engineering and technology began during her studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she joined the collegiate chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). As a dedicated student pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Ogechi became an active member of SWE, a decision that would shape her future in the male-dominated STEM field. Joining the collegiate chapter of SWE provided Ogechi with a valuable platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development. It allowed her to connect with like-minded individuals who shared her passion for breaking gender barriers in engineering and technology.

In her role as the Founder and CEO of ANWEP, a non-profit organization registered in the State of Texas, Ogechi focuses on women empowerment in STEM education and careers. ANWEP implements mentorship programs, impactful outreach initiatives, coding workshops, and boot camps to increase the representation of women in STEM fields. Building on the success of ANWEP, Ogechi established Women in STEM Leadership (WISL) to serve as a dedicated mentorship platform. WISL is committed to educating, equipping, and empowering women, providing them with the essential skills to not only excel in STEM careers but also ascend to leadership positions. By furnishing aspiring women leaders with the necessary tools and resources, WISL seeks to propel their careers and enhance their impact within the dynamic landscape of the STEM ecosystem.

Ogechi’s outstanding work at WISL addresses industry workforce shortages and diversity challenges in STEM. The organization provides awareness, education, and advocacy for women in STEM, along with professional development opportunities. WISL also connects professional women in STEM through networking and mentorship initiatives, fostering a supportive community for career advancement.

Ogechi holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Calabar in Nigeria, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Dallas, Texas. As a wife and mother, Ogechi is not only a distinguished professional but also a role model for women aspiring to excel in STEM fields.

Ogechi’s full bio and work experience is available on her LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ogechi-ugwulebo/

Websites:
https://www.anwep-usa.org
https://www.womeninstemleadership.org

Save the Date and Call for Speakers: SWE-Dallas Professional Development Day March 23, 2024

by Dallas SWE on in Professional Development

SWE-Dallas – get ready to mark your calendars because something exciting is coming your way! Your Professional Development Committee is thrilled to announce our upcoming Professional Development Day on March 23, 2024! The event will run from 10-2:30pm in Lewisville, Texas at PACCAR Inc. The cost for SWE Members will be $15 and for Non-Members it will be $35. Lunch will be provided..

What’s in store?

Panel Discussion on:

  • Managing Up: Learn the art of effective communication with your superiors.
  • Giving/Receiving Difficult Feedback: Master the art of constructive conversations.

Lightning Talks: Got something to share? Step up for a 10-minute Lightning Talk and inspire us all! We plan to record if you are interested in getting a video to submit for any future SWE conference Call for Speaker submissions.

Professional Headshots: Put your best face forward! Take advantage of the opportunity to update your professional headshot.

We’re still in the planning stage, but we are on the lookout for:

  • Panelists: Have wisdom to share on managing up or navigating feedback? Be part of our dynamic panel!

Interested in being part of the event or know someone who should be? Have any questions or comments? Please fill out our form here.

Women in STEM Leadership Conference

by Dallas SWE on in Special Events

Dallas SWE is happy to promote an upcoming STEM conference for women, hosted by the WISL. The 2024 Women in STEM Leadership Conference will be held at the University of Dallas in Irving, TX. This will be an inspiring event celebrating women in STEM. This in-person conference brings together talented individuals, industry leaders, and experts to share their experiences and insights.

Discover the latest trends, innovations, and breakthroughs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Gain valuable knowledge through engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions. Network with like-minded professionals, build connections, and find mentorship opportunities. Be part of a supportive community that empowers women to thrive in STEM fields. Early bird tickets are $75 until February 15.

To participate as a guest speaker on a range of hot topics in STEM, please contact WISL at info@womeninstemleadership.org. Direct any questions to Ogechi Ugwulebo at ogechine@yahoo.com.

Register for the Women In STEM Leadership Conference
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