May 9, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR MAMIE MOY IN TX
There are many professional engineering associations and all are
available to women. However, the Society of Women Engineeers focuses
on promoting women engineers regardless of discipline, ie. chemical,
mechanical, electrical, etc.

Joining a proefessional organization provides many benefits. Members
receive newsletters and journals, attend local association meetings
as well as national conferences, meet with others with the same
interests, form professional contacts and network with other
professionals.

Professional journals are sources of information regarding
discoveries, advances and cutting edge topics. Employment information
can also be found in journals.
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A: FROM MENTOR SUZANNE FRANKS IN KS
For sure you would want to learn more about the Society of Women Engineers.
Check them out at www.swe.org. You can find your nearest local chapter
from the main SWE webiste. SWE attracts women engineers from all disciplines/
SWE's mission is:
Stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and
leaders, Expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in
improving the quality of life, and Demonstrate the value of diversity.

Also, there is WEPAN, the Women in Engineering Programs and Adovacates
Network (www.wepan.org)WEPAN connects programs and individuals in industry and universities, all aimed at increasing the participation of women in engineering and in science.

Although these two are not engineering societies, you may also be
interested the Association for Women in Science (www.awis.org) and the
American Association of University Women (www.aauw.org)
AAUW has been a staunch advocate for women in science and engineering over
the years, and recently released a report about women/girls and computer science, called
Tech-Savvy. You can read more about it on the web site.

Another good organization is the American Society of Engineering
Education, ASEE www.asee.org
This is a great organization for anyone who becomes an
engineering professor.
Also, ASEE has some good information for students considering going into
engineering.
Take a look at http://www.engineeringk12.org/ and
http://www.asee.org/precollege/default.cfm

Other societies are specific to particular engineering disciplines, and as
a woman who is an engineer, you would want to join the society that most closely
relates to your career interests as well.
At the internet site of the American Association of Engineering Societies
(www.aaes.org) you can learn more about all the different engineering societies. See,
specifically, their list of member societies at http://www.aaes.org/membership/index.asp