In this issue, I interview Dr. Winnie Ye, Chair of the IEEE Women-in-Engineering (WIE) Committee for the 2025–2026 term. At the IEEE level, WIE plays a role similar to that of the Women in Communications Engineering (WICE) Committee within the IEEE Communications Society. While there have been some collaborations between WIE and WICE, one of Dr. Ye’s key mandates is to strengthen this partnership further and enhance WIE’s presence at ComSoc technical meetings and events. This interview provides insights into WIE’s evolving goals and explores potential synergies with WICE and similar committees across other IEEE Societies.

Dr. Ye is a Professor at Carleton University in Canada and an internationally recognized expert in silicon photonics. She is a Fellow of Optica, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and the Engineering Institute of Canada. From 2009 to 2021, she held a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Nano-scale IC Design for Reliable Opto-Electronics and Sensors, with research applications in telecommunications, data communications, biophotonics, and renewable energy.

Dr. Ye brings a wealth of leadership experience to her role. Within IEEE, she currently serves on the Board of Governors of the IEEE Photonics Society (2024–2026). She is also Chair of the IEEE Photonics Society (PHO) Ottawa Chapter (2021–present) and Faculty Counselor for the IEEE Carleton Student Branch (2021–present). She was IEEE Canada (Region 7) WIE Chair from 2020 to 2023.

Beyond IEEE, Dr. Ye has been actively involved with Optica, one of the world’s largest professional societies dedicated to optics and photonics, where she served as Chair of the Photonics and Opto-Electronics Technical Division and as a member of the Optica Board of Meetings from 2021 to 2023.

Stefano: Hello, Winnie! It is a true pleasure for me to have this opportunity to ask you about the goals of WIE and what you are doing in this important Committee. This committee operates at the IEEE level but cooperates actively on several initiatives run by several Societies. Shall we begin by reminding you what WIE is and for what purpose it was founded in IEEE?

Winnie: In a world where innovation is driven by collaboration, creativity, and technical excellence, IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) stands as a global force for professional growth and advancement. As one of the largest international organizations dedicated to supporting individuals in engineering and technology, WIE provides a dynamic platform for learning, leadership, mentorship, and lifelong engagement. WIE is not just a community: it’s a movement.

In a nutshell, what is its mission?

At its core, IEEE WIE is committed to inspiring, engaging, and advancing women in technical disciplines globally. The committee works tirelessly to:

• Facilitate the recruitment and retention of its members in technical disciplines globally;

• Promote professional growth through networking, mentorship, and leadership opportunities;

• Celebrate the achievements of its members in engineering and technology.

Is it open to everyone, or only to women?

IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) is open to everyone. It welcomes not only women but also allies of all genders who want to support and contribute to the advancement of women in engineering and technology fields. Whether you identify as a woman, a man, non-binary, or any other gender, you are encouraged to join and participate in WIE activities.

There are many ways to get involved, such as joining local or regional WIE groups, attending professional development events and conferences, participating in mentorship programs, and engaging in outreach efforts. WIE provides a dynamic community where everyone interested in supporting women in engineering and fostering a positive environment can come together and make a difference.

Is it particularly active or focused on some Region?

With over 1200 WIE Affinity Groups in more than 126 countries, the reach and impact of WIE are truly global.

IEEE WIE is more than a support system; it’s a launchpad. WIE connects students, professionals, and academics across disciplines and borders through its extensive network. Whether you’re a first-year engineering student or a seasoned researcher, WIE offers a platform to grow, lead, and give back. More details on our global networking activities are posted at https://ieee-collabratec.ieee.org/app/community/35/wie-global-network/activities.

These relationships often blossom into long-term collaborations and friendships, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

This is your first time serving as Chair of an IEEE Committee. How was your first impression when you were appointed? And in the first weeks after you started serving in your new position, what was the first difficulty you faced?

When I was first appointed Chair of an IEEE Committee, I felt great excitement and honor. I was eager to be part of shaping the future of WIE and helping create meaningful opportunities for our members worldwide.

In the first few weeks, one of the main challenges I faced was adapting to our diverse membership’s evolving needs and expectations. Understanding these changes and aligning our initiatives accordingly required active listening and flexibility. At the same time, building strong communication and collaboration within the committee was essential. This early period was a valuable learning experience that helped me establish a foundation for effective leadership going forward.

How do you promote the professional growth of women in the Engineering sector? What are your mentoring activities?

Certainly, professional development is a cornerstone of WIE’s mission. My committee hosts a rich calendar of year-long webinars, technical talks, and career workshops. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technologies like AI and quantum computing to soft skills like negotiation and leadership.

Our “Learning Without Limits” program offers webinars, podcasts, and more (https://wie.ieee.org/events/).

For example, our podcast series “WIE Rise Together: Breaking Barriers for Women in STEM” is another standout initiative. Featuring interviews with trailblazing women in STEM, the podcast offers listeners a chance to hear firsthand about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from women who are shaping the future of technology. Our podcasts are offered at https://wie.ieee.org/events/podcasts/.

Do you also offer awards, scholarships, and grants?

Recognition is a powerful motivator, and WIE ensures that women’s contributions to engineering do not go unnoticed. The IEEE WIE Awards (https://wie.ieee.org/awards/) and Scholarships and Grants (https://wie.ieee.org/grants-scholarships/) Programs honor individuals and groups, regardless of their gender, who have made significant contributions to the advancement of women in engineering.

In addition, WIE supports students and professionals through various travel grants, enabling them to attend conferences, present research, and expand their professional networks. https://wie.ieee.org/grants-scholarships/travel-grants/

Would you like to recall a few other notable initiatives run by WIE?

IEEE WIE has led several impactful initiatives over the years. One notable example is the International Leadership Summits (ILSs), which bring together women in STEM for leadership training and networking globally and at the local and regional levels.

Every year, WIE members around the world come together to celebrate IEEE WIE Day, a global celebration of STEM professionals that showcases the achievements of women in engineering and inspires the next generation. From panel discussions and hackathons to outreach events in schools and communities, WIE Day is a vibrant celebration of innovation, inclusion, and impact.

WIE also engages its members through technical contests and innovation challenges. These events not only foster creativity and collaboration but also provide a platform for showcasing talent. Recent examples include:

• The WIE Global Tech Marathons, featuring hands-on labs in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and innovation challenges focused on solving real-world problems through technology, are designed to be inclusive, fun, and educational, encouraging participants to push boundaries and think big.

• The Big Idea Pitch Competition motivates students and young researchers to develop entrepreneurial and business mindsets based on their research and development (R&D) endeavors.

One of the newest initiatives we are excited to launch is the IEEE WIE Ambassador Program, which will empower selected volunteers to serve as local champions for WIE. The goal is to increase visibility, strengthen community engagement, and facilitate collaboration across IEEE societies, including with ComSoc and WICE.

For more updates, we encourage everyone to stay tuned by checking our website: https://wie.ieee.org/.

From its IEEE standpoint, WIE collaborates with similar committees in IEEE Societies. Would you like to recall a few initiatives coordinated with WICE in ComSoc?

While past collaborations between WIE and WICE have been limited, both sides have a strong mutual interest in strengthening this partnership. For example, both committees have supported events promoting women’s leadership, technical excellence, and professional development across IEEE platforms.

Moving forward, one of my key priorities as IEEE WIE Chair is to foster more intentional and sustained collaboration with WICE and ComSoc. This includes coordinating joint sessions or panels at ComSoc-sponsored conferences, increasing WIE’s visibility at technical events, and exploring cross-promotion of leadership and mentoring initiatives. I look forward to building these bridges and creating new opportunities for impactful partnerships.

Shall we look at the future? What are your vision and goals for the following years?

As we look to the future, IEEE WIE is committed to expanding its global reach and deepening its impact across the engineering and technology ecosystem. My vision is to position WIE as a central hub for connection, leadership, and innovation within IEEE and beyond.

Key goals in the coming years include enhancing global collaboration through regional summits and cross-border initiatives and strengthening strategic partnerships with academia, industry, and government to create more meaningful opportunities for our members in STEM.

We also aim to increase all levels of collaboration and engagement and to empower more volunteers and members through leadership development, mentoring, and tailored programming that reflects the evolving needs of our global community.

To conclude, what are your final thoughts and considerations you wish to leave to our readers?

IEEE WIE is more than an initiative; it catalyzes meaningful progress. It’s about building a more inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking future for everyone in engineering and technology. Through its programs, partnerships, and passionate global community, WIE is transforming individual lives and shaping the broader landscape of innovation.

As someone who has personally grown through IEEE and found inspiration in the stories of others, I truly believe in the power of this community. Whether you are a student taking your first steps or a seasoned professional ready to give back, there is a place for you in WIE. I warmly invite you to join us and be part of a global movement redefining the future of WIE: one story, one achievement, and one breakthrough at a time.