In celebration of National Engineers Week, Advancing Women Engineers (AWE) held a professional networking event where students could connect with alumnae from the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). Students engaged in meaningful conversations with former ECS graduates on topics ranging from soft skills and imposter syndrome to work-life balance and career growth.

“This event is more than just career prep—it’s about building a strong community where students in engineering can support, inspire and empower one another,” says Heather Carroll, assistant director of alumni and donor engagement.  

Alumnae who attended the networking event included Gay Kasegrande ’93, senior group leader at Mondelēz International, Inc., who earned a bachelor’s in chemical engineering in 1993 and Dawn Penniman ’90, G’97, certified senior project engineer II at ARCADIS, who earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering in 1990 and master’s in environmental engineering in 1997.   

“It was a great experience! I loved talking to alumni and gaining insights about networking and career pathways, ” says computer science student Adya Parida ’25.  

“It was great speaking with alumnae,” says Liv Ochtabec ’28. “They provided us with support and advice that will benefit me in my career growth.   

“The alumnae provided students with useful advice for networking and career development. For me, it emphasized the breadth and diversity of the SU alumni community and how we can use it to our benefit” says aerospace engineering student Aliza Willsey.  

AWE plans to continue hosting events to engage both alumnae and students through networking opportunities, immersive programming and virtual conferences to empower the next generations of students for success.