Women Engineers Rise (WE Rise)

Mentoring

The WE Rise Mentoring program pairs students with supportive mentors who offer encouragement and insights on gender inclusion in engineering.

Throughout the academic year, students receive tailored guidance and support to cultivate a sense of belonging for all in engineering. Through mentorship and networking opportunities, students are better prepared for academics, life, and career choices beyond graduation.

WE Rise mentoring aims to help students:

• Increase understanding and confidence about STEM major choices
• Explore various pathways at the College of Engineering
• Become familiar with the university campus and available resources
• Connect with peers and build a sense of community
• Learn about career pathways
• Set clear goals
• Consider pursuing graduate-level research and beyond

Leadership Academy

The WE Rise Leadership Academy (WLA) is a nine-week spring quarter program dedicated to developing the next generation of inclusive leaders in engineering and technology. While the program centers the experiences of women and other gender-diverse individuals who have been historically underrepresented in STEM, it is open to all students in the College of Engineering who are committed to advancing gender equity and inclusive leadership in the field of engineering.

Leadership training encourages students to pursue academic and professional leadership roles in a supportive environment that values all students, regardless of gender. Participants explore social and cultural barriers to women’s full participation in these spaces.

Through workshops, mentorship and reflection, WLA students engage with professional engineers who help them build leadership skills and a community where people from all backgrounds and experiences are valued.

WE Rise Leadership Academy aims to help students:

• Engage in experiential learning and hands-on activities that expand leadership capacity beyond the classroom
• Explore issues and challenges that impact gender equity in leadership, including cultural stereotyping, imposter syndrome and implicit bias
• Learn about inclusive and authentic leadership approaches, strategies and tools to strengthen confidence and leadership potential
• Build professional development skills that enhance resumes and showcase individual strengths, achievements and innovation
• Identify and pursue opportunities for growth, advancement and entrepreneurship in academic and professional settings
• Gain practical tools to navigate and positively influence organizational climate and culture--from higher education to the workforce

Seminars: WE Rise Inspire

WE Rise Inspire offers a dynamic series of talks, presentations and events offered quarterly. The program provides students with valuable knowledge, practical skills, and meaningful networking opportunities while connecting them with inspiring speakers from academia, industry, and the broader STEM community. Through these engagements, students gain insights into academic pathways, career development, research, innovation, leadership, and personal enrichment. Offered throughout the academic year.

WE Rise Conference

One of the year’s biggest events brings high school, undergraduate and graduate students together with leaders across the college and industry who share a goal of advancing gender equity in engineering.

Attendees can build their networks, connect with new opportunities, and enhance their personal and professional development through a range of workshop sessions. Students from around the region attend the conference.

Explore the conference