International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th and has been celebrated for over a century starting with the first gatherings dedicated to IWD in 1911. As per the official website, it is a day that celebrates, “the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” One such impact has been on the field of Engineering.

To recognize their impact on Engineering and on Purdue, the Chemical Engineering Professional Graduate Student Organization (ChE PGSO) sought out professors and members of the faculty who have interacted with the female students of the Professional Masters Program (PMP), a program within the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. Purdue faculty were asked to sign cards and write personalized messages outlining the impact that women have had on Purdue.

“Designing the cards, getting professors on boards, bringing them the cards and keeping it from us could not have been easy,” said Laurence Vorbe, a student in the PMP, further elaborating, “... It’s nice to be appreciated, especially in an industry that more often than not overlooks us.” As per the Society of Women Engineers, only 13% of engineers in the workforce are women.

Many were elated at the personal and thoughtful cards that were presented to them. “It was a very sweet gesture and I truly appreciate the efforts of all the people who were involved in this initiative ... A simple yet meaningful card of appreciation certainly means a lot!” said Anvaya Bhusari, a PMP student, regarding the cards handed out.

 “It feels amazing that I study with people who celebrate womanhood, respect women and treat them equally,” recounted Palak Jain, another PMP student, about the PGSO’s celebration of IWD.

Women of the PMP receiving personalized cards from the ChE PGSO