Wichita Society of Women Engineers

Welcome!

The Wichita section of the Society of Women Engineers is a not-for-profit educational and service organization. With over 50 members, we are working in Wichita and central Kansas to help women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders. We believe the engineering profession is a positive force in improving the quality of life, and diversity is a powerful contributor to the value of engineering.

Members in Long Beach, CA for the 2009 conference

Our section was started by a dynamic group of eight women, who received a charter from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in 1982. SWE was founded in 1950 and has members all over the world. Members of SWE receive its award-winning magazine, enjoy access to the national career database, and can participate in educational webinars and podcasts throughout the year. To learn more about SWE, visit swe.org.

We hold some kind of networking or educational event almost every month. Casual networking and social events help members get to know one another. It's a great way to make contacts at both large and small companies, find a mentor, and learn from others who've had similar experiences. Educational events let our members know what's new and exciting in the world of engineering, or just how to be better professionals in today's changing world.

Kids learn about how concrete is made at Expo

Every February during Engineers Week, we hold an engineering expo for kids in grades K-8. The event is free, with hundreds of boys and girls participating in an exciting Saturday morning of demonstrations and hands-on activities. Volunteers set up booths to show principles of all kinds of engineering disciplines like electrical, mechanical, civil and aeronautical. The unstructured time lets families come and go. Booths change every year, so we urge everyone to keep coming back to see what's new.

Wichita State University has a student section of SWE that we get together with for bigger events. Encouraging these future engineers is important for us. We hold a pizza party for them before finals start every May, and award scholarships every year.

Students and professionals network at our yearly pizza party

In October, lots of our members travel to the national SWE conference. This conference is held in a new city every time. Members present papers about all kinds of issues affecting women in engineering, exploring issues across a broad range of topics. Annual awards are given out to recognize engineers and leaders for their life-changing contributions. Hundreds of companies participate in the national career fair. Conference is a great way to find mentors, look for a job or increase visibility for your company.

Later in each year, we're a part of the Starlight Gala & Tree Auction to benefit Goodwill Industries & Easter Seals of Kansas. Our members come up with a design, make or buy the necessary decorations, and work throughout November to bring our tree concept to life. We are always looking for creative, crafty people to help out with the tree community.

Our tree, decorated and ready for auction in 2008

Our executive committee meets once a month and all members are invited to attend and participate in planning. It's a great opportunity to hone the organizational and leadership skills that are so important in advancing your career. Being active in a professional organization is a good way to show initiative and responsibility.

Our section supports other engineering societies through our membership in Wichita Council of Engineering Societies (WCES).

SWE offers corporate membership to companies who wish to support our community outreach efforts. Diversity in the workforce and in leadership has been correlated to improved performance results for organizations. SWE promotes diversity of gender, ethnicity, and thought in all of its programs targeting K-12 students through executive-level professionals. Our local corporate members for 2010 are Textron and Spirit Aerosystems.

Members attend the annual WCES banquet

Everything about SWE is great, but if you ask most of us why we're members you'll hear that it's a lot of fun. We all deserve a night out every once in a while, and really appreciate conversing with a peer group that is hard to find at work or in our neighborhoods. Women engineers and scientists can sometimes feel isolated in the workplace but SWE gives us a feeling of belonging and reassurance that we can succeed.

If you're ready to get involved, check out our calendar for upcoming events. Nearly everything we do is open to non-members. To get the most out of the group, learn more about membership.

You can also follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

Leader Spotlight: Kim Burton ~ Expo chair

Kim Burton

I am a senior engineer at Cessna Aircraft company, specializing in avionics and electrical systems integration. I have been with Cessna since 2002, when I earned my bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Pittsburg State University. In 2008 I received a master's in Electrical Engineering from Wichita State University. I am a Six Sigma green belt and a private pilot.

I've been a member of SWE since college and love the message this organization sends about what women can contribute to important fields. The Wichita section has given me the opportunity to co-chair our annual Engineering Expo three years in a row.

My husband is a nightclub DJ and stay-at-home-dad to our little girl. We also have four guinea pigs.

More about us...

2011 Sponsors

Spirit Aero Systems	Bombardier-Learjet
Cargill	Cessna Aircraft Company