#EnhancedByEngineering - Overcoming Adversity
Women's Engineering Society
Supporting women engineers to fulfil their potential and supporting the engineering industry to be inclusive.
Welcome colleagues, friends and allies.
We have just six weeks left to make this year's International Women in Engineering Day the most memorable yet! While we continue to celebrate our #EnhancedByEngineering theme - shining the spotlight on women who have made a momentous impact on society and our everyday lives through their innovations. We are also exploring how these women have overcome adversity working in an industry designed for men and how we can continue honour their legacies. Join us to explore the incredible achievements of women who have overcome adversity to make a significant impact in our world, celebrating their achievements and spirit. There is strength in numbers - by continuing to inspire young women to choose STEM careers and empowering one another we can challenge the system to create an equal and diverse workplace. Let’s get inspired, lift each other up and make history!
This Weeks Spotlight: Dorothy Vaughan (1910 - 2008)
Dorothy Vaughn was a groundbreaking mathematician and computer programmer who played a pivotal role in the development of the U.S. Space programme. Despite facing significant barriers as an African American woman in a largely white, male-dominated field, Vaughan’s brilliant mind and tireless work ethic made her an indispensable member of the NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration team.
Achieving a Bachelors of Mathematics in 1929, Vaughan began her career at NASA’s Langley Research Center as a mathematician, where she led the West Area Computing Unit, a group of African American women who performed complex calculations for the space programme. As electronic computers were introduced, Vaughan quickly mastered the FORTRAN programming language and taught it to her colleagues.
Her work on projects such as the Scout Launch Vehicle Program and the Apollo moon landings showcased her exceptional skills and leadership, making her an integral part of NASA’s history. Vaughan’s groundbreaking achievements paved the way for future generations of women in STEM fields and her work inspired the 2017 award-winning film “Hidden Figures”.
Dorothy Vaughan’s legacy as a trailblazing mathematician, computer scientist, and visionary leader continues to inspire generations of engineers and scientists.
?? Get Inspired:
?? Podcast: STEM Untapped
STEM Untapped CIC is a podcast where students are given the opportunity to interview their role models and listen to their career experiences to learn more about their chosen specialism and discuss challenges they have overcome. The podcast amplifies the voices of underrepresented groups in STEM, inspiring young people to pursue their dreams while fostering a more innovative and inclusive future.
In this groundbreaking book, Caroline Criado Perez sheds light on the gender bias embedded in various aspects of our world. From urban planning and public transportation to medical research and technology, the author reveals how the lack of gender-disaggregated data and the "one-size-fits-all" approach disproportionately disadvantages women. Backed by meticulous research and engaging storytelling, this eye-opening book encourages readers to question the systems around them and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society - one that addresses the needs and experiences of all individuals.
?? Film: Hidden Figures
A powerful and inspiring film which is based on the true story of three brilliant African-American women mathematicians – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – who played pivotal roles in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Set against the backdrop of the Space Race and the Civil Rights Movement, the film follows these women as they overcome racial and gender discrimination to become instrumental in one of the greatest achievements in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. "Hidden Figures" not only highlights the groundbreaking contributions of these unsung heroes but also showcases the resilience, determination, and genius that ultimately changed the world.
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????Careers advice & resources:
?? Quote of the week:
“If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off… no matter what they say.” – Barbara McClintock
?? Shout out to this years INWED sponsors:
?? Question of the week
Each week we will give you a question to reflect on. If you'd like to share your thoughts we'd love to hear your answers in the comments below!
Do you have any mentors or role models who influenced your career path?
We hope that as a woman in STEM you find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone, and that you will find inspiration from your predecessors and colleagues featured in this week's newsletter. While there may be times that overcoming certain challenges seems impossible, take comfort in knowing that’s why we’re all here. We are problem-solvers, we are curious, we are resilient, we are engineers. We take pride in our ability to overcome adversity, to face obstacles and take on challenges head-on.
Let us celebrate our achievements together, lifting up and empowering one another, paving the way for aspiring female engineers. Thank you for joining us in a global celebration of the remarkable work of our friends and colleagues, women who are innovators - making the world a better place for us all. Remember to join us in celebrating INWED on the 23rd of June, whether that’s attending an event, hosting your own, sharing your stories on social media or joining our annual webinar.
See you next week for more motivational content. Stay inspired and keep innovating!