Abby Thorleifson

Background in SWE:

This is my first year at UW and I have been attending events since the beginning of fall quarter. I am excited to get more involved in the future.

Describe a leadership experience that challenged you. What did you learn from it and how would it influence your work on the SWE executive board?

One of the most challenging leadership positions I have been in was my role on the girls wrestling team in high school. Unlike many of my other experiences, there was no title that accompanied this role. The girls team was newly established through my recruitment, however it was still challenging to lead something that goes against all the stereotypes previously associated with a male dominated field. I believe this experience has helped me learn how to persevere when faced with adversity, especially in fields like engineering, where we constantly fight to be treated equally and taken seriously. I want to bring this same energy and mentality to the SWE executive board and further their mission.

What is one change or new initiative you would like to implement in SWE next year and why?

I would like to implement more social outings for SWE like picnics or scenic walks. Some of the best conversations I have had with other SWE members have been on the way to or from events. Bringing a smaller, relaxed, and low time commitment option may help recruit members looking for connection in a less formal way.

What ideas do you have to increase member participation/retention and build stronger community within SWE?

Having incentives like cute SWE stickers at events or more merch could help establish SWE more within the community and help new members join. I think being able to recognize other SWE members in public would help with retention and make our community stronger.

What challenges do you think women in engineering still face today, and how can SWE help address them at our university?

SWE gives emerging engineers a community full of supportive people who know what struggle feels like. I think women in engineering face misogyny in every level whether that is being asked to be the note taker in every group or the pay wage is consistent across the country. As a group, we can fight to be taken seriously and encourage young girls that they have a place in the engineering world and that there isn't one way to be/ look like an engineer.

The SWE executive board works as a team to plan events and initiatives. How would you contribute to creating a positive and productive team environment?

I would contribute to creating a positive and productive team environment by showing up to meetings on time, communicating to other members professionally, and genuinely trying to get to know other members.

If you could plan any SWE event with unlimited resources, what would it be?

If I could plan any event, it would be a Take a Girl to School day where SWE members get paired with an elementary student to show them what a day in the life of an engineering student looks like. Hopefully it would convey that they could one day do the same!