The UMD Society of Women Engineers organizes a popular event each school year, “Mommy, Me, & SWE.” It’s aimed at giving younger girls (grades 1-3) and their moms or guardians an introduction to the STEM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Volunteers from the SWE student organization pitch in to make the event a success.
This year the event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 from 10 am - 12 pm in the 231 and 265 Swenson Civil Engineering Building. The groups will take on engineer-based projects: Create Your Own Lipgloss, Build Your Own Mechanical Hand Grabber, and Grow Your Own Terrarium. The event has been promoted to all local schools and a range of youth-serving organizations. It’s a free event and is full. See registration information.
One of the volunteer coordinators of the SWE event, Sophie Lenz says, “It’s so rewarding to be able to share my passion for STEM and engage with the community I live in. My favorite part about hosting outreach events like Mommy, Me & SWE is having the opportunity to encourage and grow student's interest in STEM. Exposing them to new ideas and seeing them get excited about it is so rewarding!"
Lenz is a senior at UMD majoring in civil engineering. She says, “SWE is an empowering and uplifting group. STEM is typically male-dominated, so this is a perfect place for women in the field to connect and support each other.”
About the Organization
The Society of Women Engineers is a student organization that helps women advance professionally, volunteer, or participate in leadership opportunities. Their mission is to stimulate women to achieve their 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. The UMD SWE chapter attends regional and national conferences, hosts speakers from engineering companies, organizes outreach events with the Duluth community, and has several social gatherings throughout the year.
Photos: SWE members work with children throughout the school year.