2020 – Vision for a Better Future

Every day, we are surrounded by news of the struggles of our time — from the global health crisis to the impacts of climate change. We are reminded that both our local community and the world are facing complex problems with critically important consequences. We can be paralyzed by these problems, or we can take an active role in finding solutions.

The 2020 Women in Engineering conference theme, Vision for a Better Future, serves as a reminder that as engineers and scientists, we are challenged to the latter– to be a part of the solution. At this year’s WiE conference, you will hear from women across a broad spectrum of engineering fields who have used their technical expertise and leadership to make a positive difference in their local and global communities. These leaders are creating a better future by designing greener construction and energy solutions, developing life-saving diagnostics and medicine, and inventing AI and VR tools that promote inclusion and security while revolutionizing the way we interact and work.

In order for engineers and scientists to be effective change agents, we need to fully understand complex technical problems while also understanding the larger business and societal issues. Who benefits from a new technology? Where are the hidden costs in terms of money, labor, or planetary impact? How do we aim for balance when comparing goals such as safety versus privacy, connection versus freedom, quantity versus quality?

The WiE conference is a special community of faculty, industry leaders, and future engineers and scientists coming together to create a vision for a better future. As a participant, you will be able to immerse yourself in the details of technology while also learning about the complexities of implementing that technology to make a difference. Enjoy a full day of programming, from the morning keynote sessions through the evening’s Innovation Showcase that highlights the technologies of our sponsors. Take advantage of the many opportunities to explore different technical fields, hear women leaders share their career stories and advice, and build your professional development skills. Plan your conference day schedule now to make the most of the day.

We have some of the tech industry’s most innovative and accomplished leaders coming to engage with you. We hope that by hearing about their expertise and careers, you will be motivated to tackle complex problems as an innovator and a leader in your chosen field. There are so many ways that engineers and scientists can make a positive difference in the world. The WiE conference will help you develop your personal Vision for a Better Future.

Stacy H. Gleixner, PhD
Professor, Materials Engineering and College of Engineering Special Projects
Chair, 2020 Silicon Valley Women in Engineering Conference
San José State University