🌍💡 In celebration of IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Day, we proudly hosted a global virtual panel: “Thriving in an AI & Emerging Tech World: Opportunities and Challenges for Women Engineers” on June 23, 2025.

🤖✨ This inspiring event brought together speakers who are shaping the future of AI, energy systems, photonics, and beyond.
🎤 Key speakers included:
Prof. Saifur Rahman – 2023 IEEE President & CEO
Dr. Winnie Ye – Optica & EIC Fellow, Carleton University
Dr. Celia Shahnaz – IEEE WIE Chair, TWAS Fellow, BUET
Mr. John McDonald D. McDonald – IEEE Life Fellow, JDM Associates
Ms. Jill Gostin – Former Principal Research Scientist, GTRI
Mr. David Koehler – Power & Energy Industry Leader
🎙️ Special thanks to our lovely moderator, Naznin Akter, Ph.D., PMP®, CLSSBB, for guiding the conversation with thoughtfulness, energy, and insightful questions!

🔍 Topics explored:
– The evolving role of engineers in an AI-driven world
– Strategies for upskilling, leadership & career growth
– Gender equity and inclusion in emerging tech fields

💬 With attendees tuning in from around the world, this session sparked important conversations about the future of engineering and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive, tech-forward society.

🙌 A huge thank you to all our organizing IEEE WIE Affinity Groups:
– IEEE WIE OR Section Affinity Group – Naznin Akter, Ph.D., PMP®, CLSSBB
– IEEE Hawaii Women In Engineering – Quynh Tran
– IEEE Utah Women in Engineering – Peijung Tsai
– IEEE Spokane Women in Engineering
– IEEE Santa Clara Valley Women in Engineering
– IEEE San Diego Women in Engineering
– IEEE Richland Women in Engineering
– IEEE Phoenix Women in Engineering – Tuyet-Trang Lam Piel, Ph. D.
– IEEE Foothill Women in Engineering
– University of Dhaka Student Branch (Region 10)
for making this event possible!