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.

Professional Development Programs

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.

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.

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.

More About the Women in Photonics Initiative

Strategic Goals

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.

Benefits

Networking opportunities
Regional events
Access to educational resources and grants
Volunteer opportunities and leadership roles
Quarterly newsletter

Nominations for the Women in Photonics Excellence Award

IEEE Women in Photonics: Expanding Resources to Emphasize the Importance of Gender Diversity in STEM

Q&A with IEEE Women in Photonics Task Force Chair

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

"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

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.

© Copyright 2023 IEEE — All rights reserved. A not-for-profit organization, IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.