International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is more than a celebration; it's a movement to honor the incredible achievements of women in a field traditionally dominated by men. INWED, which this year falls on Sunday, June 23, aims to shatter stereotypes and inspire the next generation by highlighting women who lead groundbreaking research and develop innovative technologies.
Despite significant barriers, such as gender discrimination and pay gaps, women in engineering have made remarkable strides within the field. In the US, the percentage of women earning engineering degrees rose from just under 18 percent in 2011 to 22.5 percent in 2020, according to the Society of Women Engineers.[1] Globally, the representation of women in STEM fields within the workforce increased from 9 percent in the 1990s to 16.7 percent in 2023.[2] These statistics call attention to the progress being made toward achieving gender equality in the field of engineering, paving the way for exciting opportunities for future advancements.
We’re proud to feature inspiring women engineers who are making a difference in our world through their impactful work. Their stories illustrate innovation and perseverance, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry. Join us in celebrating their remarkable journeys and contributions.
Carla Diana, Designer and Mechanical Engineer
Merging Design and Technology for a Human-Centered Future
Carla Diana is a trailblazer in human-centered design, utilizing advanced technologies like robotics and 3D/4D design. With an MFA in 3D Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BE in Mechanical Engineering from the Cooper Union, Diana is on a mission to make technology truly serve us.
As the Design Advisor and former Head of Design for Diligent Robotics, she has been pivotal in developing robot assistants for transforming healthcare through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Imagine robots that not only function flawlessly, but also enhance patient care—Diana’s work makes this a reality. Additionally, she launched the 4D Design program at Cranbrook Academy of Art, guiding students to innovate in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Carla Diana’s work isn’t just about cutting-edge technology; it’s about making these advancements accessible, meaningful, and truly beneficial for society.
Evelyn Wang, PhD, Mechanical Engineer
Advancing Thermal Management, Energy, and Water Solutions
When it comes to addressing critical global challenges, such as enhancing solar energy efficiency and developing advanced methods for water harvesting and purification, Evelyn Wang’s efforts do not go unnoticed. Her innovative research is transforming the fields of thermal management, energy conversion, and water purification with the goal of creating a more sustainable future. Following in the footsteps of both of her parents, who emigrated from Taiwan to pursue their PhDs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Wang's academic journey began at MIT, where she earned her BS in Mechanical Engineering. She has since served in many leadership positions at MIT, including head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, MechE Strategic Planning Co-Chair, and Ford Professor of Engineering, among others.
Wang’s expertise in heat transfer and nanotechnology has led to remarkable advancements. Imagine materials that boost solar thermal energy conversion or ultrahydrophobic surfaces that can harvest fog and clean themselves. These are just a few of her groundbreaking contributions as she works toward engineering a better future.
Now leading the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), Wang oversees transformative energy research programs on a national scale. Her work is driving us toward a more sustainable and secure future, proving that innovative science does indeed have the power to change the world.
Diana Iracheta, Automotive Manufacturing Engineer
Championing Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering
When it comes to revolutionizing automotive manufacturing, Diana Iracheta uses her expertise in automation and robotics to enhance efficiency and safety at Amsted Automotive. Her innovative work streamlines processes and reduces manual labor, driving the industry forward.
Beyond her technical achievements, Iracheta is a champion for underrepresented groups in engineering. She founded Latina Engineer in 2020 to support STEM students through mentoring and events. Her Diana Iracheta Foundation, a not-for-profit (NFP) launched in 2021, offers scholarships and hosts the annual International Latina Engineer Week, celebrating Latina achievements and fostering networking.
With Latinas comprising only 2 percent of STEM professionals in 2015,[3] Iracheta's initiatives are vital for increasing representation and providing essential resources. Her leadership is paving the way for future generations of Latinas in STEM, demonstrating that with proper support, they can excel and lead in their fields.
Manuela Veloso, Electrical Engineer and Machine Learning Educator
Integrating AI, Robotics, and Human-Computer Interaction
Known for her work in developing intelligent systems, Manuela Veloso is a pioneering force in the realms of AI and robotics. At the CORAL lab, she researched AI agents that can collaborate, observe, reason, act, and learn, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.
Her leadership in RoboCup, an international robot soccer competition, has showcased the practical applications of her research, with robots mastering navigation, perception, and decision-making in real-time scenarios.
As the head of J.P. Morgan AI Research, Veloso applies her expertise to the financial sector, enhancing fraud detection and data analysis while ensuring responsible AI development. Her work not only advances technology but also addresses critical societal needs.
Throughout her career, Veloso has received numerous prestigious awards, including the ACM/SIGART Autonomous Agents Research Award and fellowships from all four major associations in her field—Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)—a truly impressive feat in the world of AI and robotics. Veloso has also been elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), the second Portuguese woman to join the prestigious institution.
This International Women in Engineering Day, we celebrate the countless women who are eager to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges and inspire the next generation of women engineers. Their work serves as a testament to the progress being made, and the future progress still to come. The world needs their ingenuity, creativity, and diverse perspectives to create an inclusive, future-focused landscape. We’re proud to celebrate these women and their noteworthy contributions to society.
Check out Mouser's Women in Engineering Leadership eBook, in which ten accomplished women leaders in the engineering industry share practical advice for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities, with strategies for effective communication, proactive mentorship, and more.
Sources
[1] https://swe.org/research/2024/degree-attainment/ [2] https://swe.org/research/2024/employment/ [3] https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2017/nsf17310/digest/occupation/overall.cfm.
Sarah Harmet is a Social and Multi-Media Manager at Mouser Electronics. When she's not scheduling social content or scrolling through Instagram, she enjoys cheering on the TCU horned frogs and eating her way through every Mexican restaurant in Fort Worth.