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IEEE Women in Photonics

Supporting the participation, engagement, and advancement of women in the photonics and optics community.

The IEEE Women in Photonics Initiative works in partnership with IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE), the largest international professional organization dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists. Together, we hope to inspire the next generation of women in photonics, and support the development of educational materials, mentorship programs, and training resources for women. 

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woman presenting award to another woman
woman speaking
Women in Photonics 4

Professional Development Programs

Women in Photonics woman speaking to a group

Spotlight On:

REIGNITE: BACK TO CAREER/RESEARCH

This program is designed to assist women and gender minorities who have left the photonics field due to life circumstances, a break from the workforce or academic research, a shift in career focus, and/or are in need of mentorship, professional resources, and training.
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Spotlight On:

INTRODUCE A GIRL TO PHOTONICS

The goal of this program is to coordinate events and activities worldwide to show young women and pre-university students how photonics impacts the world around them and inspire the next generation of Women in Photonics.

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IEEE Women in Photonics Sessions

Check out our sessions featuring role models, essential skills learning, and training videos on a variety of technical and professional topics. 

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More About the Women in Photonics Initiative

  • Increase the participation and engagement of women in the optics and photonics community.
  • Inspire and support the next generation of women in photonics.
  • Encourage gender balance within the Society’s boards and committees.
  • Create new volunteer opportunities for women within the Society.
  • Organize Women in Photonics events that promote inclusive networking.
  • Develop educational materials, mentorship programs and training resources for women.
  • Networking opportunities
  • Regional events
  • Access to educational resources and grants
  • Volunteer opportunities and leadership roles
  • Quarterly newsletter
The IEEE Women in Photonics Initiative helps you find your own path and choose your own destination as you navigate your career. You are not in a race - your competition is only with yourself.
AVP of IEEE Women in PhotonicsDeepa Venkitesh
IIT Madras, India
deepa venkitesh
"As a woman in science, I feel a sense of responsibility to be the voice of change for diversity and inclusion. It is important to ensure that the opportunities in STEM are distributed equally and fairly. Diverse scientific teams can push the boundaries of science and generate new and creative research ideas."
IEEE Women in Photonics, Task Force ChairHani Nejadriahi
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USA
Hani Nejadriahi
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Seeking Mentors & Volunteers

Interested in giving back? Members and photonics professionals are encouraged to share their career insights, and serve as role models.

Accelerating women in Science & tech

Attend this year’s IEEE Women in Engineering International Leadership Conference to learn about new opportunities and possibilities. 

IEEE Women in Engineering

Learn more about the largest international professional organization dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists.

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