The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a national multidisciplinary, nonprofit educational service organization with nearly 18,000 members.

Mission:

• Stimulates women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders
• Expands the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and
• Demonstrates the value of diversity

SWE is organized into twelve regions. As part of Region D of SWE, the Smoky Mountain Section provides women with the opportunity to learn about and experience the exciting world of engineering through a variety of programs.

Smoky Mountain Section's mission is to inform the community of opportunities open to women in engineering and to encourage women to enter and grow in engineering and the sciences.

Objectives: (adopted 1950)

• Inform young women, their parents, counselors, and the general public, of the qualifications and achievements of women engineers and the opportunities open to them.
• Assist women in readying themselves for a return to active work after temporary retirement.
• Serve as a center of information on women in engineering.
• Encourage women engineers to attain high levels of education and professional achievement.

Strategic Priorities:

• Education and Outreach: The technical professions will benefit, and the quality of life will be enhanced by more women of all backgrounds pursuing the profession of engineering.
• Inclusive Organization: SWE will be an inclusive organization focused on issues of interest to women of all backgrounds in engineering and technical careers.
• Knowledge Source: SWE will be a worldwide leader and preferred partner in the creation and advancement of information about women in technical careers.
• Professional Leadership: Women will be acknowledged as demonstrating the skills required to be effective leaders in a global marketplace.
• Value and Benefit: SWE programs and services across the organization will provide value and benefit and meet the diverse and changing needs of Society members and stakeholders.

SWE Programs

For Professional Development

• Professional development programs and Job Match
• SWE meetings, workshops, seminars, and webinars
• Networking with other Technical Professionals
• Employment opportunities
• Bi-monthly SWE magazine
• Regional and National Conferences
• Professional Engineering Progress (PEP Program)

For Student Outreach

• Participation in Sectional, Regional and National activities for college students
• Presentations to college, high school and middle school students
• Financial assistance through scholarships, loans and fellowships
• Provide career guidance services

For information on SWE sections in other areas, check the SWE head quarter website at www.swe.org