SWE - Fall 2008 - (Page 7)

FY08 PRESIDENT’S FAREWELL In May, Microsoft hosted a Web conference, “The Changing Face of IT,” to discuss issues of diversity in the IT field. Panelists included, from left, Carl Mack, executive director, NSBE; Ali Curi, president, Hispanic Professionals Networking Group; Michelle Tortolani, FY08 SWE president; Kelly Chapman, director, Diversity Recruitment, Microsoft; and moderator Kim Bondy, president, The Bondy Group. briefings and educational programs for members of Congress and their staffs on the importance of diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. We honored Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) with the first-ever SWE President’s Award for her efforts to implement the recommendations of the 2006 National Academies report “Beyond Bias and Barriers: Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering,” and for promoting gender equity in academic science and engineering. We also continued to strengthen our position as a resource to policymakers, making recommendations to improve STEM education and continuing to educate other professional societies and policymakers on Title IX’s application to STEM fields. growth of our region conferences in FY08. Each of these events embodied SWE’s strategic priorities in the areas of professional development, diversity and inclusion, knowledge and information, and outreach; and what SWE is about — community. Thank You My thanks to the members of the FY08 board of directors for your generous support, dedication, and passion in achieving our objectives this year. Our accomplishments this year are a direct result of your hard work and commitment. I would also like to thank a few additional individuals for supporting me this year: Bob Smith, senior vice president, Ground Systems Engineering, XM Satellite Radio Inc., for supporting my continued development as a leader and a manager Ronna Robertson, FY06 SWE president, for sharing lessons learned, listening, and supporting me Betty Shanahan, CAE, F. SWE, SWE executive director and CEO, for her guidance, encouragement, and partnership Strategic Vision We strengthened and expanded our strategic vision by updating our diversity and inclusion strategy; refreshing our strategic plan for FY09 and beyond; and developing an international outreach strategy. I traveled to Tokyo, representing SWE as one of three hosts for a Career Development for Women Engineers conference. The experience gave me a better understanding of the benefits and value proposition to SWE and our members for having an international presence, and what SWE can accomplish through a greater international engagement. A traditional tea ceremony was a highlight of Tortolani’s trip to Japan where she represented SWE at a conference for women engineers and spoke at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. Expand Your Influence Be a positive force for women in the world of engineering and technology. Take advantage of all that SWE programs and services have to offer, whether it is: N Guiding you in your studies and career N Taking advantage of the Society’s extensive scholarship program N Finding the perfect job N Growing professionally N Encouraging young girls to find and follow their dreams as future engineers N Or simply networking and enjoying the company of other women engineers Membership and Participation We experienced increases in membership, corporate support, and participation in professional development programs. We set a new attendance record with 5,000 registrants at the 2007 national conference in Nashville. We hosted 10 outstanding region conferences. I attended six of these conferences and experienced firsthand the tremendous Michelle Tortolani SWE FY08 National President SWE FALL 2008 7

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SWE - Fall 2008

SWE - Fall 2008 Heritage Club Contents Farewell Message from FY08 President Michelle Tortolani Congratulations SWE Magazine A Conversation with FY09 President Virginia Connolly, P.E. Introducing the FY09 Board of Directors View from the Executive Suite Editor's Page Public Policy Update SWE Retention Study, Part 6 Membership Information & Calendar A&B SWE Member Kristina Johnson First Woman to Receive John Fritz Medal University Labs Fuel a New Era in Energy Women Engineering Leaders in Academe 2008 Opening the Gateways to Engineering Your Collegiate Section History is Waiting to Be Discovered Honoring the Legacy of Ada Pressman, P.E. Report from WEPAN Engineering World Proposed Bylaws Amendments Point of View Correction Career Toolbox Corporate Partnership Council Book Review SWE Smiles In Memory Opportunity Index SWE Scrapbook

SWE - Fall 2008

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