IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine - December 2013 - 2

Letter from the Editor

Putting the "You"
in Unique

Where do you fit? This is one of the first
questions young women ask themselves
when they look around at career opportunities. We may continue to ask ourselves this question many times during
our lifetime. Many of us feel that if we
do not fit in anywhere then something
must be wrong with us. Perhaps we feel
this way because we do not see things
the way other people do.
Reflecting upon all of the talented
people IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine has interviewed, it has
become evident that the most successful
individuals are those who have unique
perspectives, which have led to major
innovations that have impacted humanity. In other words, it is time to embrace
what is unique and different about you.
These are the qualities that foster diversity and innovation.
A silhouette of a woman was depicted
on the June 2013 cover of IEEE Women
in Engineering Magazine. What did you
see? Some people saw her as a princess,
others thought of her as a warrior, a
witch, or even a woman from ancient
times that came from our imagination.
In ancient times, women were the
healers, the center of the family unit,
and the keepers of wisdom who were
revered for their abilities to solve prob-

Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MWIE.2013.2280363
Date of publication: 11 November 2013

IEEE women in engineering magazine

We celebrate the accomplishments
of women who are emerging leaders
and who serve as our role models. While
each person has a different story to tell
detailing the challenges she met along
her journey, all the stories have something in common. Namely, they held on
to their inner beliefs as to who they are
and what they wanted to accomplish.
They never let anyone defeat their spirit
and they have opened doors for others.
As editor-in-chief, I am proud to
announce that IEEE Women in Engilems. From this perspective, women still
neering Magazine has received two APEX
hold these roles. Now, the difference is
awards in 2013 for publication excelwe have technology to aid us in our
lence. None of this would be postasks and the power to share our
sible without the outstanding
wisdom far beyond our immeprofessional group of individdiate families.
uals responsible for creating
A diversity blueprint
our world-class magazine.
is an example of all of the
I would like to thank our
many different dimensions
talented IEEE Magazines
that factor into creating
editorial and production
who we are as individuals.
team as well as our superb
Consider it like choosing a
Karen Panetta
writers and advertising and
color from the color wheel.
business development managers. A special
Many of us may not agree on which color
thank you to my associate editor and our
is our favorite, but we always respect
editorial board for providing great ideas
other people's choices. It should be the
and feedback on every aspect of the consame for valuing diversity in people. We
tent and topics. I also want to thank those
should have respect for other people's
of you who have taken the time to write
perspectives, and when we do, the door is
to me to provide your own feedback and
open for teamwork, innovation, and most
stories. IEEE Women in Engineering is lisimportantly peace.
tening and is committed to ensuring that
In this issue, we introduce new
all voices are heard.
approaches for humanitarian efforts
In closing, if your "color" is not presthat are occurring all around the world.
ent on the color wheel of diversity, know
You will learn how nonprofit organizathat creating your own color space can
tions are trying to bring basic health
create a blueprint of success, not just for
services, such as access to dental care,
you but also for future generations.
to young children and how mobile app
competitions can combat human trafficking. You will meet young women rising to the top and being recognized for
their science and engineering potential
-Karen A. Panetta
as well as their mentors and the proEditor-in-Chief
grams that are supporting these youth
IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine
to pursue technology careers.

DECEMBER 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine - December 2013