Advertise on podcast: Diverse: a SWE podcast

Ali Forsyth, Ph.D., vice president and general manager of Stack Forging thermal solutions at Johnson Controls, had already become a vice president of engineering twice when she started wondering what was on the other side of the glass ceiling. She found the answer when she stopped building within other companies and started her own instead. In this conversation with FY27 SWE President Kerrie Greenfelder, Ali shares the experiences that shaped her approach to engineering and entrepreneurship, from repairing equipment on her family’s farm in western Canada, to working her way through technical leadership at hard-tech startups, to co-founding Alloy Enterprises. Hear the most difficult part of taking the leap into entrepreneurship, the lessons Ali learned around growing into the leader her company needed and the importance of sponsorship — including a personal story of how a sponsor led to a career-changing opportunity. Ali also previews her upcoming keynote fireside chat at WE26, the world's largest conference for women and allies in engineering, taking place Nov. 5-7 in Boston. Find the full conference schedule and register at we26.swe.org — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org

When searching for a new job, how can engineers use applicant tracking systems and AI to their advantage instead of feeling like they’re applying into a black hole? In this episode, engineers and SWE leaders Kathryn Chamberlin and Claire Mulford explain what happens between clicking “apply” and getting a job interview — and how to make your résumé easier for automated systems to analyze. In conversation with host Sam East, Kathryn reflects on her experience applying for jobs and landing roles at top organizations, including how she uses AI to compare her résumé with job descriptions, identify gaps, and tailor her applications. Claire offers insight into how applicant tracking systems review résumés and where seemingly small choices, like formatting and keywords, can make a difference. Hear how to use AI in your job search without losing your authentic voice, why LinkedIn is more than just a place to apply for new opportunities, and the mindset shifts to keep going after long waiting periods and rejections. Learn more about using AI in the job search and hiring process in SWE Magazine: Using AI to Find Your Next Job: https://swe.org/magazine/using-ai-to-find-your-next-job/ Using AI to Find Your Next Great Hire: https://swe.org/magazine/using-ai-to-find-your-next-great-hire/ — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org

What happens when the STEM career you’ve worked so hard to build collides with a family crisis? When her mother was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, Francesca Holmes-Walker, supplier quality engineering leader for Unison, a GE Aerospace division, suddenly found herself balancing caregiving, family responsibilities, and an engineering career. In this conversation with host Sam East, Francesca offers a candid look at the unexpected costs and complexities of elder care — from finding caregivers, to navigating a challenging diagnosis, to making a career change to find the flexibility she needed. Hear practical advice on finding local resources, preparing legal plans, preventing burnout, and recognizing when you need to slow down and cherish time with your loved ones. Plus, she explores a lesson she now gives to the engineers she mentors: you may not be able to get an A everywhere at once, and that’s okay. — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org

As AI becomes part of everyday engineering workflows, knowing when to use it — and when to rely on your human expertise — is becoming a crucial skill. Deepika Devarajan, vice president of product and technology at Industrial Scientific, has worked with AI for more than a decade and has seen the focus shift from “How do we build AI responsibly?” to “How do we use AI responsibly?” In conversation with host Sam East, Deepika shares a practical framework for deciding when to delegate a task to AI, when to use it as a thought partner, and when to keep the work human. Hear how to protect your critical thinking skills (and your data), a nuanced perspective on what engineering expertise will look like in the AI-powered future, and the most common misconceptions and myths around AI. — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org

How can you determine what kind of mentor will help you the most at each stage of your engineering career? In this episode, Priyanka Ganesh, cloud software engineering manager at Intel, identifies three mentor archetypes that can help women and allies in STEM grow in distinct ways: the connector, the architect, and the visionary. In discussion with host Sam East, Priyanka breaks down the characteristics of each archetype and shares how a connector helped raise her visibility, an architect taught her to prioritize the problems that mattered most, and a visionary challenged her to connect technical work to long-term impact. Hear how to identify the gaps that are holding you back from advancing, how to find the right mentor for your unique career stage, and how to become a connector, architect, or visionary for someone else — even without a leadership title. — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org

How can engineers create spaces where people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to class and work? In this episode, Emma Craig, FY27 lead of the SWE LGBTQ+ and Allies Affinity Group, and Mikayla Moody, FY27 lead-elect of the SWE LGBTQ+ and Allies Affinity Group, share how their experiences as engineers in the LGBTQ+ community have shaped their paths through academia and industry. Mikayla explains how feeling like an outsider in STEM shapes their teaching style now as a professor — including the simple steps they take at the start of each semester to help students feel a sense of belonging. Emma reflects on how finding supportive communities in college and graduate school, including in Greek Life, gave her the confidence to grow as an engineer, advocate, and leader. In conversation with Karen Horting, executive director and CEO of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), they share practical advice for becoming a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community, including why asking questions, listening carefully, and being willing to learn from mistakes can matter more than getting everything right. Get involved with the SWE LGBTQ+ and Allies Affinity Group at https://affinitygroups.swe.org/lgbtq-and-allies/ — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org

Evelyn Cortez-Davis, WE26 closing keynote and director of strategic initiatives for the water system at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, watched the film “An Inconvenient Truth” as a new mom. At that moment, she made a promise to her young daughter that she would have a “damn good answer” when asked what she did as climate change unfolded. In conversation with FY27 SWE President Kerrie Greenfelder, Evelyn shares how that commitment shaped her engineering career. As a first-generation immigrant from El Salvador, Evelyn also reflects on being an English learner and an undocumented student during her first two years at UCLA, and how learning to use her voice shaped her STEM path. Hear what it means to be the first in the room, why engineers need to stay creative as technology reshapes the world, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can open unexpected doors. Evelyn also previews her closing keynote at WE26, the world's largest conference for women and allies in engineering, taking place Nov. 5-7 in Boston. Find the full conference schedule and register at we26.swe.org — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org

Elissa Lee, WE26 keynote and executive director of commercial and international military rotorcraft engine programs at GE Aerospace, shares how music has shaped her approach to engineering, creativity, and leadership in this episode. In conversation with FY27 SWE President Kerrie Greenfelder, Elissa shares practical lessons on building confidence, navigating unexpected career opportunities, and finding your authentic leadership style — without being the loudest voice in the room. Hear how a 30-day challenge to speak first transformed her confidence, why spending four years in an unexpected role broadened her STEM career, and how staying true to herself has made her a more effective leader. You'll also get a sneak peek of Elissa's upcoming opening keynote at WE26, the world's largest conference for women and allies in engineering, taking place Nov. 5-7 in Boston. Learn more and join at https://we26.swe.org — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org

At some point, every engineer will receive feedback that stings. So how can you decide if it’s valid, what you should learn from it, and what parts to let go of? In this episode, Safiyya Cavatina Kassim, senior specialist in business agility at MSD Czech Republic, speaks with host Sam East about how STEM professionals can navigate difficult feedback in the workplace. Drawing from her personal stories and FOG to FUEL framework, Safiyya shares practical strategies and mindset shifts to process criticism in the moment, identify what’s worth acting on, and leave behind feedback rooted in bias. Plus, hear Safiyya’s nonlinear STEM journey of growing up in Zimbabwe, earning a degree in agriculture, and ultimately building a technology career in the Czech Republic. — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org

Every career starts somewhere — and for many engineers, that journey begins at a career fair. In this episode, industrial engineer Natalie Camilleri shares how a chance conversation at SWE’s WE21 Career Fair led to a life-changing internship and, ultimately, her full-time STEM career. In a full-circle moment, she now returns to SWE’s career fairs to recruit engineers. With host Sam East, Natalie explains why recruiters often remember communication skills more than technical expertise, why leading with an elevator pitch isn’t the best strategy, and how volunteer experiences through SWE can become your strongest interview stories. Discover practical tips to stand out at career fairs and navigate rejection, plus hear why being in "the right place at the right time" usually starts with simply being open to a conversation. — The award-winning Diverse podcast from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is now Global Voices in Engineering! With nearly 45,000 members in 90+ countries around the world (and growing), we wanted a new name that perfectly captures what both SWE and the podcast are all about: bringing together engineering stories from around the world, because every engineer has a story. SWE is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women and allies in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org

Should you apply for the promotion? Speak up in the meeting? Say yes to the opportunity that feels out of reach? These moments often come down to one thing: moving forward despite your self-doubt. In this episode, Anita Berthold, manager of learning and development at GlobalFoundries, sits down with host Sam East to explore why we fall into cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, and decision paralysis — and what to do about it. Anita shares how self-doubt almost kept her from applying for the STEM role she holds today, the question from a friend that changed her perspective, and why waiting until you feel ready rarely works. Plus, learn pragmatic, science-based tools you can put to use, including how to respond to your inner critic, treat scary situations like experiments, and recognize the physical signs that stress is taking over. — The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting nearly 45,000 members of all genders spanning 90+ countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org

Engineers are increasingly expected to work alongside AI, so how can leaders adapt to this reality and guide their teams with empathy? In this episode, Eva Ribes Vilanova, product manager at Keysight Technologies, shares practical strategies for leading teams in an AI-powered workplace with host Sam East. Eva shares the five questions every engineer should ask before introducing AI into a project and discusses why the leaders who succeed won't necessarily be the ones who adopt AI the fastest. Hear why change is emotional, how to maintain a healthy skepticism of AI outputs, and three habits to lead engineering teams with curiosity and confidence. — The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting nearly 45,000 members of all genders spanning 90+ countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org

In this episode, David Parrillo, Ph.D., vice president of research & development for Dow's Packaging & Specialty Plastics division, and Rob Douglas, chief engineer for planning and scheduling at the Space Telescope Science Institute, explore what allyship in engineering looks like — beyond the basics. Interviewed by Laurie Shuster, editor-in-chief of SWE Magazine, they discuss why mentorship isn't enough and what leaders can do to build workplaces where opportunity is built into the system rather than left to chance. Learn Rob's framework for growing from ally to mentor, coach, sponsor, and ultimately champion, and hear how David championed structured programs within Dow that created more equitable opportunities for engineers. Plus, explore practical ways to recognize bias, advocate for others when they're not in the room, and create more inclusive engineering teams. — The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting nearly 45,000 members of all genders spanning 90+ countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org.

This episode of Diverse is brought to you by the University of Washington Bothell's nine-month graduate certificate program in software design and development. On July 1, 2026, Kerrie Greenfelder assumes the role of president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), concluding Inaas Darrat’s term as SWE president. In this annual passing-the-torch conversation, Inaas reflects on her “Embrace Your Story” theme and explores how vulnerability, career pivots, and authentic storytelling resonated with SWE members around the world. Kerrie introduces her theme of “Radiate Change” and discusses how SWE can continue its mission for the next 75 years. She shares her vision for strengthening SWE’s visibility and “being the best for the most” in a world that is changing so rapidly. Plus, hear their favorite moments from the past year including jazz in New Orleans, glitter shoes, and the humor that comes with a career in wastewater engineering. — The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting nearly 45,000 members of all genders spanning 90+ countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org.

Chris Moore, CEO of FIRST, discusses how hands-on robotics programs are helping young people around the world develop confidence, resilience, and a STEM identity in this episode. With host Karen Horting, executive director and CEO of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), they explore the parallels between youth sports and STEM, the unique power of after-school learning, and how the SWE-FIRST partnership is helping students imagine futures as engineers and technologists. Hear why he views failure as part of success, how the energy of the FIRST Championship rivals major sporting events, and why volunteers can have a lasting impact simply by sharing their stories. — The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting nearly 45,000 members of all genders spanning 90+ countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit https://membership.swe.org.