Our programs highlight the work and achievements of women in science and engineering and create forums where members can network with their peers in a range of STEM fields. Our members develop friendships with other women in technical fields and sometimes find mentors and sponsors. They share their passion for their chosen fields and discuss not only professional issues like job environment challenges and pay equity but more personal concerns such as work-life balance and caring for aging parents. You never know when you may meet your future collaborator or even your future employer at one of our meetings! It is certain that you will walk away with new friends.
These programs provide a glimpse into the careers and accomplishments of our members and the science and technology they are involved in. This opportunity to learn from other technical professionals is one of the primary attractions of our State Annual Meeting held each fall. Three different agenda items provide information exchange and learning while attendees interact and network with each other: the Technical Symposium, Poster Session and Keynote Speaker. The annual business meeting is also on the agenda. These annual events also give attendees a chance to experience parts of New Mexico they may not have visited. We move the meeting site around to state to take advantage of what New Mexico has to offer, both historically and scientifically. It is a day well spent with an interesting and diverse group of women from all over the state—and great fun too! One participant described NMNWSE events as “very uplifting and refreshing, with an atmosphere that is easy-going and congenial.”
Our programs highlight the work and achievements of women in science and engineering and create forums where members can network with their peers in a range of STEM fields. Our members develop friendships with other women in technical fields and sometimes find mentors and sponsors. They share their passion for their chosen fields and discuss not only professional issues like job environment challenges and pay equity but more personal concerns such as work-life balance and caring for aging parents. You never know when you may meet your future collaborator or even your future employer at one of our meetings! It is certain that you will walk away with new friends.
These programs provide a glimpse into the careers and accomplishments of our members and the science and technology they are involved in. This opportunity to learn from other technical professionals is one of the primary attractions of our State Annual Meeting held each fall. Three different agenda items provide information exchange and learning while attendees interact and network with each other: the Technical Symposium, Poster Session and Keynote Speaker. The annual business meeting is also on the agenda. These annual events also give attendees a chance to experience parts of New Mexico they may not have visited. We move the meeting site around to the state to take advantage of what New Mexico has to offer, both historically and scientifically. It is a day well spent with an interesting and diverse group of women from all over the state—and great fun too! One participant described NMNWSE events as “very uplifting and refreshing, with an atmosphere that is easy-going and congenial.”
“It is enriching to hear about the other research going on in New Mexico. It is amazing how vast and diverse our state is – and how impressive our members are. Plus, we plan science-related excursions that are fun – like walking the ruins of the Salt Missions, exploring Dinosaur Tracks State Park, astronomy & geothermal energy in the Valles Caldera and the Space Hall of Fame. It truly helps with bonding within our group for taking on the tough problems of the outside world.”
– Dr. Yolanda Jones King, Vice President
“It is enriching to hear about the other research going on in New Mexico. It is amazing how vast and diverse our state is – and how impressive our members are. Plus, we plan science-related excursions that are fun – like walking the ruins of the Salt Missions, exploring Dinosaur Tracks State Park, astronomy & geothermal energy in the Valles Caldera and the Space Hall of Fame. It truly helps with bonding within our group for taking on the tough problems of the outside world.”
– Dr. Yolanda Jones King, Board Member At-Large
Technical Symposium speakers are recruited from inside and outside the group to provide three to four presentations during the Annual Meeting. This is an opportunity to present one’s work to interested professionals in a supportive environment. We are fortunate in New Mexico to have a large community of engineers, scientists and technologists upon which to draw. Past presentations have included chemical laser development, City of Albuquerque data sharing design, technical project management and endangered species projects. When the meeting was held near Silver City we were thrilled by a presentation on wildlife in the area and the management challenges facing the U.S. Forest Service.
The Annual Meeting includes an evening Poster Session, held in conjunction with a Wine and Cheese event. This is a casual time for everyone to relax and enjoy each other’s company as they peruse the posters. We encourage members, graduate students and even some science fair winners to present their latest research and development efforts. Attendees have an opportunity to not only hear about the work being done, but to question and interact directly with presenters. Presenters gain direct experience from the questioning and discussions that follow. It is a great way to become acquainted with other members and future members while learning about their passions for their work and study.
Our Keynotes are longer, more in-depth presentations that bring an understanding of just how broad STEM’s reach is, impacting everyone’s everyday lives. When UNM Professor Julia Fulghum presented “Advancing Women in STEM through Institutional Transformation” we became aware of efforts at the university level to reorganize and redefine programs for women in STEM. We gained an early understanding about the importance of space activities in New Mexico through SpaceX Vice President Gwynne Shotwell’s “SpaceX Space Exploration Technologies” keynote. New Mexico Attorney General Gary King brought us up to speed on the water lawsuit that was ongoing with Texas, since water is a primary concern for all New Mexicans. At the Annual Meeting in Mountainair, Troy Lovata of UNM presented “Culture Contact: The Archaeology of the Salinas Missions National Monument.”
Local programs are initiated by chapters in various locations around New Mexico. These are wonderful opportunities to network and develop relationships with other technical women in your area. Activities have included technical talks over lunch, dinner speakers in the evening and sometimes a Saturday event.
We have had to move online during the COVID-19 era, but eagerly anticipate the return of our in-person meetings.
