Individuals in Engineering and Technology Recognized for STEM Achievements & Community Contributions

(Chicago—August 31, 2023)— The Society of Women Engineers today announced the recipients of its annual awards program, a nod to those movers and shakers who are making significant contributions to the STEM community and the advancement of women in engineering. SWE award recipients include professionals, collegiates, and groups from influential businesses, corporations, and universities across the globe.

 “SWE Awards provide a platform to elevate and highlight career, academic, and service achievements of engineers and technologists that advance the mission of SWE through inspiring others,” said Alexis McKittrick, Ph.D. and FY24 President of SWE.  “These award winners are shining examples for our members and the entire engineering community of how to Live Without Limits, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements at our WE23 conference in Los Angeles.”

This year’s award recipients will be recognized at WE23, the world’s largest conference and career fair for women engineers and technologists on October 26-28, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA. They will also be celebrated in the WE23 Virtual Awards Hall. The conference will gather more than 14,000 professional and collegiate individuals in engineering and technology for professional development, education, and networking.

The top award recipients are below. A listing of all awardees can be found on the Altogether blog here: https://alltogether.swe.org/2023/08/swe-awards-2023/.

Achievement Award – The highest award given by the Society of Women Engineers. It is presented annually to an individual who identifies as a woman, who has made significant and progressive technical contributions.

• Thea Feyereisen, Honeywell

Distinguished Engineering Educator Award – Honors an individual who identifies as a woman, who has made significant contributions in the fields of engineering, engineering technology, or science related to engineering. They must have instructional experiences in an engineering, engineering technology, or science-related to engineering educational institute.

• Anabel Fraga, Ph.D., Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
• Lizabeth Thompson, Ph.D., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Entrepreneur Award – Awarded to an individual who identifies as a woman, who went out on her own to start and/or maintain her own engineering, engineering technology or science related to engineering-based business, and in doing so, serves as a role model to all women who have ever risked financial security for the possibility of uncertain rewards. The entrepreneur has demonstrated a conviction to dream and a willingness to make them happen. The nominee will be an entrepreneur who is skilled in technical, business planning, administrative, and financial techniques, and excels in business leadership.

• Melanie Lang, FormAlloy Technologies Inc.

Resnik Challenger Medal Award – The Resnik Challenger Medal was established in 1986 to honor SWE’s Dr. Judith A. Resnik, NASA Mission Specialist on the ill-fated Challenger space shuttle flight on January 28, 1986. It is awarded only as merited for visionary contributions to space programs to an individual who identifies as a woman with at least 10 years of experience. This award acknowledges a specific engineering breakthrough or achievement that has expanded the horizons of human activities in space.

• Sandra Irish, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Rodney D. Chipp Memorial Award – Presented to an individual who identifies as a man or a company who has contributed significantly to the acceptance and advancement of women in the fields of engineering or engineering technology, or science related to engineering.

• Shailendra Jagtap, John Deere India Pvt. Ltd. 
• Martin Stier, HP Inc. 
• Nels Swenson, Intel Corporation

Suzanne Jenniches Upward Mobility Award– Honors an individual who identifies as a woman who has succeeded in rising within their organization to a significant management position such that they are able to influence the decision-making process and has created a nurturing environment for others in the workplace. Northrop Grumman Corporation has endowed this award.

• Toni L. Doolen, Ph.D., Oregon State University

For more information about the Society of Women Engineers, visit www.swe.org. 

About SWE

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. The not-for-profit educational and service organization is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. To ensure SWE members reach their full potential as engineers and leaders, the Society offers unique opportunities to network, provides professional development, shapes public policy and provides recognition for the life-changing contributions and achievements of women engineers. As a champion of diversity, SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in their personal and professional lives. For more information about the Society, please visit www.swe.org or call 312.596.5223.