Vanshika Sindhu

Background in SWE:

I joined SWE during my freshman year as a member of the Middle School Outreach Committee, where I helped plan and facilitate outreach events. I also participated in some GradSWE outreach events, which broadened my exposure to different approaches to STEM engagement. Currently, I serve as the Director of the Middle School Outreach Committee, where I lead a team of seven committee members. In this role, I coordinate with schools, manage scheduling and communication, and support my team in planning and executing events. While my responsibilities have shifted more toward logistics and leadership, I still actively participate in the hands-on aspects of outreach. Through this switch, I’ve developed both organizational and leadership skills, while staying closely connected to the outreach work that initially drew me to SWE.

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?

Last quarter, we had an outreach event at Cascade Middle School where, due to scheduling conflicts, only two committee members and I were able to attend. I was the only UCAR-certified driver, which meant I had to drive us there. I don’t typically drive on highways and don’t consider myself a very confident driver, but given the circumstances, I knew I needed to step up. Driving a seven-seater on the highway and downtown Seattle during rush hour was intimidating, and I was initially very nervous. However, I was motivated by my responsibility to my team and to the students we were visiting. I focused on staying calm and present, and we ended up making it there and back safely and had a successful event. This experience challenged me to move outside my comfort zone and reinforced the importance of stepping up when others are relying on you. Leadership isn’t always about being the most confident person in the room, it’s about being willing to take responsibility and act when it matters. On the SWE executive board, I would carry this mindset by being someone who is dependable and flexible, especially in moments of uncertainty. Whether it’s navigating logistical challenges or supporting my team, I want to be a leader who steps up and ensures that our work continues smoothly, even when things don’t go as planned.

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

One initiative I would like to implement is creating more opportunities for general members to participate in outreach events alongside committee members. Outreach is primarily run through committees, which can sometimes limit general member involvement and make it challenging to fill gaps when committee members are unavailable. By opening up a few outreach events to general members (through a sign-up system or volunteer pool), we can increase engagement within SWE. This would allow more members to gain hands-on experience with outreach while also providing additional support for events. This would strengthen the sense of community within SWE by making involvement more inclusive, while also improving the consistency of our outreach efforts. It creates a more flexible system where members can contribute meaningfully, even if they are not formally part of a committee.

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

One way to increase member participation and retention in SWE is to introduce a structured, resume-building project program that members can opt into. I’ve noticed that other STEM organizations, such as AISC (AI Student Collective), offer project-based opportunities that allow members to gain hands-on experience while building their skills. Creating something similar within SWE, whether through team-based projects, workshops, or collaborations with other student organizations or faculty at the University of Washington, could provide members with both professional development and a stronger sense of purpose within the organization. In addition, I think it’s important to regularly gather feedback from members through polls or surveys to better understand what they want from SWE. This ensures that programming remains responsive and relevant, and helps members feel heard and valued. Both of these approaches would not only increase engagement by offering meaningful opportunities, but also strengthen community by creating shared experiences and ensuring that SWE evolves based on its members’ needs.

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

Women in engineering still face challenges such as discrimination, underrepresentation, and limited access to mentorship. Through SWE, we can build a strong network of women engineers at UW, providing a supportive space for growth, connection, and shared opportunity.

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 will contribute by being reliable, communicative, and supportive. In my current role as Director of the MS Outreach Committee, I ensure everyone feels included and empowered to contribute. I make a point to listen to ideas, provide guidance when needed, and step up to handle challenges so the team can focus on our goals. On the SWE executive board, I would bring the same collaborative mindset, helping the team stay organized, motivated, and focused while fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for all members.

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

If I had unlimited resources, I would plan a SWE Ball at the Suzzallo Library; a networking event where members can dress up and connect in a celebratory setting. The goal would be to combine career development with a memorable social experience, allowing members to build connections with peers, faculty, and industry professionals in a fun and unforgettable environment. I would include interactive activities, guest speakers, spaces for mentorship conversations, and of course, a dance floor.