Meet people with inspiring stories in these ethnic and minority engineering societies


Everybody has a unique story…where we came from, how we grew up, and where we want to go.

The aerospace professions are HUGE when they are all put together.  Over 1 million people can be considered to work in an aerospace field or industry.  It includes commercial aviation, general aviation, commercial satellites, military and defense aircraft, military and government satellites, space exploration, unmanned aircraft, space tourism….you get the point!

Still, it can be helpful and inspiring to meet and build relationships with people who share more than a passion for aerospace with you.  If you are a woman or ethnic minority, you might wonder how (or if) someone with your background can succeed.  Or you just may want to have fun and make new friends that enjoy engineering, science, and technology like you do.

And let’s face it–female and minority representation in STEM careers is not where it should be! We need more talented and creative rocket scientists with new perspectives!  That goes for other STEM professions too.  It’s a great time to repeat the wonderful quote from a Boeing colleague,

The most interesting problems are solved by the most interesting people.

So here are several groups where you can meet, socialize, network, get a mentor, be a mentor, do K-12 and community outreach, gain leadership experience, learn, and do things with other interesting people like yourself.  (By the way, when you get involved with one of these groups you’ll be following Tips #3, #8, and #9 in my book, How To Be a Rocket Scientist.)

 

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

A fantastic and impactful society for female engineers in every industry and career phase.

 

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

While licensed professional engineers (PE) are a focus of this group, if you consider yourself a Hispanic engineer, Latino engineer, or Latina engineer, you’ll find friendly people to talk to.

 

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

This is the largest society for African American engineers in every industry and career phase.

 

Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)

This is the society for Asian engineers in every industry and career phase.

 

Here are a couple more organizations for women, specifically in the aerospace arena:

Women in Aviation International (WAI)

 

Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM)

 

Are you looking for another group and don’t see them here?  Use a comment box below to tell me about it!  I’ll be happy to investigate and include it here for you and everyone else.


About Brett Rocket Scientist

Brett creates artful work in engineering, ideas, and innovation. In addition to 2 degrees, 3 patents, and over 15 years experience in aerospace engineering, he is the author of several books to foster STEM careers. He volunteers his time and skills as an officer with professional societies.

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