Chairs’ Message

Engineering a New Era of Possibilities

Engineering has always been a field of transformation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. With rapid advances in technologies like artificial intelligence, we are entering a New Era of Possibilities, as AI is reshaping every facet of our lives. From healthcare and transportation to sustainability and beyond, AI is unlocking unprecedented opportunities to solve complex problems and drive innovation. However, there are critical challenges in developing AI, such as bias, data privacy, energy consumption, and transparency and accountability. As we stand at the forefront of this technological revolution, women engineers and computer scientists are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that AI is developed and deployed responsibly, ethically, sustainably, and inclusively. 

On behalf of this year’s conference program committee, we are excited to welcome you to this year’s conference. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and foster a community of aspiring women engineers, professors, and leaders in addressing current challenges. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2021 only 17% of all engineers were women. Our hope is that this conference will inspire you about the possibilities for women in engineering – and to hearten you that although our numbers may be small, we are everywhere. This conference is an excellent opportunity for you to gain insights from women engineers in industry, network with your peers, and learn about the latest developments in the field. There will be 2 morning sessions and 1 afternoon session with a total of 12 technical sessions and 6 professional development sessions to choose from. You will have the chance to hear from our 3 keynote speakers who are women leaders that have made significant contributions to the engineering community and the workforce. Our last session in the afternoon are the Career Panels. Attend the Career Panel in your field to get advice and inspiration from women leaders. Finally, visit the Innovation Showcase to learn and view the latest technologies and meet hiring managers. And don’t miss the chance to win prizes at the conclusion of the conference!  

We believe that your participation in this conference will not only enrich your educational experience but also help you to establish a network of peers and mentors who will support you throughout your career. Plan for a day of learning, networking, and getting inspired to play your role in Engineering a New Era of Possibilities

Katy Kao, Ph.D.
Co-Chair, 2025 Silicon Valley Women in Engineering Conference
Professor, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
San José State University

Nicole Okamoto
Co-Chair, 2025 Silicon Valley Women in Engineering Conference
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies and Student Success
San José State University

Sponsors