The IEEE Women in Engineering (WiE) Affinity Group in Portugal is entering a new chapter, driven by a committed and forward-looking team dedicated to fostering inclusion, diversity, and excellence in engineering. With a shared mission to empower individuals and strengthen the national engineering ecosystem, the newly formed board brings together diverse perspectives and a clear vision for the future.

At the helm is Chair Susana Vieira, whose ambition for WiE Portugal is grounded in collective impact. She envisions a stronger, more connected, and inclusive engineering community, built through closer collaboration with IEEE Student Branches and the creation of a cohesive national network. Central to this vision is the development of mentorship and networking initiatives that bridge students and professionals, enabling mutual growth. One such example is the group’s support for the International Girls in ICT Day 2026, taking place on April 23 at the University of Beira Interior, co-organized with Professor Fernando Velez. By highlighting diverse career paths, WiE aims to inspire individuals while contributing to a more inclusive and future-ready technological landscape.

For Susana, what makes this mandate particularly meaningful is the opportunity to contribute to a more equitable world and inspire younger generations to pursue STEM fields. She emphasizes that the future of engineering depends on knowledge, curiosity, and the active participation of all, especially women, but ultimately every young mind is eager to make a difference. Her message to future engineers is clear: persistence and autonomy are essential. “Engineering belongs to those who question, explore, and build, regardless of predefined expectations.”

Vice-Chair Fernanda Coutinho brings a strong focus on outreach and representation. She hopes to see the growth of initiatives that inspire young people, particularly girls, to explore engineering and technology. Strengthening collaboration with IEEE Student Branches and showcasing successful women in engineering are also key priorities. Fernanda’s connection to WiE stems from her longstanding involvement in promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM, which eventually led to her joining the group following an invitation from IEEE Portugal leadership. She identifies community engagement and sustained participation as one of the main challenges ahead, alongside ensuring the continuity and visibility of WiE’s activities.

Also serving as Vice-Chair, Ana Lopes highlights the importance of strategic partnerships. She advocates for stronger ties with universities, student branches, schools, and industry, aiming to create opportunities for mentorship, internships, and networking. Ana underscores WiE’s crucial role in addressing gender imbalance in STEM, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, where diversity directly influences the fairness and quality of technological solutions. She believes that increasing female representation is not only a matter of equality but also essential for innovation and societal progress.

As Secretary, Joana Santos describes WiE in a single word: community. She emphasizes that the organization is currently in a phase of rebuilding and growth, requiring dedication and collaboration behind the scenes. From planning initiatives to structuring operations, the work is continuous and evolving. Joana points out that one of the key challenges this year will be actively engaging members and ensuring effective communication across the community.

Completing the team, Treasurer Sarah Joosab views WiE as a driving force for empowering women in STEM through support, opportunity-sharing, and visibility. She hopes members will find an inclusive environment where they feel represented, motivated, and able to build meaningful connections. In her role, Sarah aims to strengthen coordination across Student Branches while developing her skills in financial management and organizational leadership.

Together, this team embodies the spirit of IEEE WiE: a commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and progress. As WiE Portugal continues to grow, its impact will be shaped not only by its initiatives but by the community it nurtures, one that reflects the diversity and potential of the next generation of engineers.