Empowering future engineers: Purdue Engineering shines at SWE National Convention 2025
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) National Convention, WE25, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 22–25, 2025, spotlighted Purdue University’s College of Engineering as a national leader in engineering excellence.
Purdue Engineering made an impressive showing through dynamic engagement, professional recognition and meaningful alumni connections. The university’s presence spanned the bustling Graduate School Fair booth, a Purdue alumnae breakfast to connect alums and students, and active participation from both West Lafayette and Indianapolis SWE students and allies — reflecting a unified commitment to empowering engineers at every stage of their academic and professional journey.
In total, Purdue’s delegation included:
- More than 50 undergraduate students representing multiple engineering disciplines
- More than 10 PhD students and 50 Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) students
- Four staff and faculty members focused on graduate education, recruitment, leadership and research initiatives
Graduate and Professional Engagement
Purdue’s Graduate SWE (GradSWE) members took center stage through a series of high-impact events, including the GradSWE Community Affinity Group Meetup and the Graduate Student Reception, where they connected with GradSWE Affinity Group leadership, the Collegiate Director, and graduate leaders from across the country.
Purdue was the only university to offer GradSWE merchandise at the national SWE Boutique, featuring custom-designed buttons, stickers and keychains — popular among graduate students looking to show their pride. GradSWE members also joined the Purdue Alumnae Breakfast, reconnecting with distinguished alumni — including current and former SWE Board of Directors members— who expressed interest in mentoring and visiting campus to engage with students.
As Collegiate Working Group chair, mechanical engineering PhD student Amanda Stone facilitated collaborations with GradSWE leaders from other universities, building a foundation for future joint programming and national networking opportunities.
Celebrating Excellence and Recognition
Purdue’s impact extended beyond participation—its students and alumni were recognized nationally for excellence in leadership, technical skill, and service.
- Thendral Kamal and Abigail Mizzi (BSAAE) received the Outstanding Collegiate Member Award, one of SWE’s most competitive honors recognizing only 20 collegiate members nationwide for exceptional contributions to SWE, their universities and communities.
- Tamaira Ross (BSAAE, MSAAE, Boeing) earned the Beacon Award, celebrating her outstanding technical leadership and her dedication to advancing women in engineering.
- Jamie Krakover (BSAAE, Boeing) received the Ignite Award for her remarkable mentorship of early- and mid-career engineers.
- Ana Ulloa Gomez (PhD, Dow) received the 2025 Rising Technical Contributor Award for her innovative technical achievements and leadership in the workplace.
Additionally, at least four Purdue undergraduate students presented their research at the conference — demonstrating Purdue’s strong integration of research, communication and professional development at the national level.
Continuing the Legacy of Leadership
Through its students, staff, faculty and alumni, Purdue Engineering continues to make a lasting mark at SWE conventions — highlighting women’s leadership and achievement in engineering and inspiring future generations of innovators.
As one attendee shared, “SWE is a place where Purdue shows what it truly means to lead, to lift, and to empower. We’re proud to be part of that story.”
