The UCLA Women in Engineering program (WE@UCLA) is committed to enabling the full participation, success, and advancement of women in engineering and computer science. The program is open to all students who support this mission. WE@UCLA promotes an environment that enhances the personal and professional development of women, provides opportunities and resources to develop self-efficacy and leadership skills, and facilitates a rewarding career path after graduation.

To learn more please visit the Women in Engineering homepage HERE. 

“Throughout this past year, my perception of what it means to be a leader has evolved and changed with this program. I used to focus on the concepts of strength, influence, and communication – and while these are important pillars of what it means to be a good leader, there’s much more to the story. Though usually perceived in a negative light, I’ve learned that vulnerability can actually be an asset in leadership, as it encourages people to internalize what you’ve said and perhaps reflect on their own situations whether it be in work, school, or personal life. I’ve also learned that being flexible and understanding is integral to building a cohesive and resilient team as people that feel heard and appreciated are more likely to work well together. In this way, I’ve begun to review leadership in a warmer light as I’ve learned that empathy is an essential pillar to being a decisive and perceptive leader.”

“From the past few months I learned that being a leader is not always about me and what I think. Being a leader is about using your voice to give everyone else a chance to speak and hearing all of the voices to understand them. Being a leader is about being aware of your own biases and actively seeking out different perspectives and ideas.”

“I think that the way to be productively confident as a leader is to promote an environment of respect – respect for others and respect for yourself.”

“The WE@UCLA Leadership Academy created an atmosphere of encouragement, love and positivity. It was a safe space to learn, grow and challenge myself. It taught me how to better advocate for myself and others. The leadership academy also equipped me with tools to advocate for the things I need and provided an environment for me to verbally practice these skills. It was a much-needed reminder that as women, we don’t have to be afraid to speak up because our thoughts and opinions are valid. Lastly and most importantly, the WE@UCLA Leadership Academy empowered me to embrace what makes me different and to not be afraid to stand out. It served as a reminder that I belong in engineering and computer science.”