IEEE Hawaii Women in Engineering (WIE) was honored to cohost the “Road to PhD” virtual round table discussion on October 8, 2025, alongside our amazing partners — IEEE WIE Foothill Affinity Group, IEEE WIE Boise Section, IEEE WIE Santa Clara Valley Section, and IEEE WIE Utah Section Affinity Group. 🙌

This empowering event brought together five remarkable women who shared their unique paths through education, research, and engineering. From navigating challenges in academia to discovering purpose through innovation, each story highlighted resilience, curiosity, and the importance of mentorship in pursuing a PhD. 🎓💡

Participants from across regions joined in a lively Q&A session, gaining insights on research motivation, work-life balance, and strategies for success in graduate studies. The interactive format created an open and supportive space for students and professionals alike to learn, connect, and be inspired. ✨

We’re grateful to be part of this collaborative effort that continues to empower women in STEM and encourage lifelong learning and leadership. 💪🌺