2021 Virtual Spring Summit conference was held on Saturday, April 24. If you missed out on the event or just want to re-watch a session, select recordings from the event are now on the YouTube 2021 Virtual Spring Summit Playlist.

Spring Summit is a one-day conference for engineers, technologists, and partners to connect through professional development workshops, inspirational speakers, and networking opportunities. RMS started the year planning an in-person event with a local collegiate section as a co-sponsor. With the ongoing uncertainty that the pandemic created for in-person events and the collegiate co-sponsor backing out of supporting the event, the Spring Summit committee pivoted to design a high impact professional development and networking event for RMS. By embracing the virtual platform, we reached a wider audience, including out-of-state members from nearby sections who otherwise would not be able to attend the event.

This year's theme was Embrace Uncertainty: Find Your True North and featured keynote speakers Jo Miller, a globally renowned authority and expert on women's leadership and Dr. Heidi Steltzer, and environmental scientist, explorer, and storyteller. FY21 SWE President, Heather Doty, presented opening remarks and provided her insight into importance of the Summit's theme in her personal experiences as a SWE member and industry professional. Instead of limiting the event to a single session per time slot like most other virtual events, we leveraged the platform functionality to allow self-select breakout rooms of 8 different breakout sessions, mimicking breakout rooms selections of an in-person conference. We included specific networking sessions including morning coffee and lunch networking. The event program and social media marketing attracted three industry financial sponsors and their employees for attendance. The post-event survey reveals 72% rated the event as “Excellent” and 28% rated as “Above Average”. 

Check out the Opening Comments, and head over to the  YouTube 2021 Virtual Spring Summit Playlist for more.

The results of the 34th annual Great Women in Engineering and Science Essay Contest are in! The competition was fierce again this year with an outstanding 172 entries from 21 schools in Colorado and Wyoming. A panel of 10 volunteer judges enjoyed reviewing all of the essays. Congratulations to every entrant!
 
The top three awards are a $75, $50, and $25 prize in addition to the science kit and science book awarded to the honorable merit and honorable mention recipients. The top three award winners are listed below in no particular order. Their prizes will be announced at the Society of Women Engineers Rocky Mountain Section award ceremony, which will be held virtually this year. The following students will receive a personal invitation to the event:

Austin Eravelly of Parker, CO for his essay on Tilly Edinger. Austin attends 6th grade at Parker Core Knowledge Charter School and was sponsored by his teacher Heather Puckett.

Sylvia Rose Daugherty of Monte Vista, CO for her essay on Tilly Edinger. Sylvia attends 6th grade at Sargent Elementary School and was sponsored by her teacher Kari Christoferson.

Madeline Miller of Parker, CO for her essay on Flossie Wong-Staal. Madeline attends 6th grade at Parker Core Knowledge Charter School and was sponsored by her teacher Heather Puckett.
 
School Awards: This year five schools will receive the school library award for outstanding participation in the essay contest. To qualify for this award a school must submit essays from at least 20% of the 6th graders in the participating classes. The books provide information on women engineers and scientists. These excellent references will support teachers and classrooms in future research, not only for this contest, but also for other scientific, historical, or biographical projects.
 
The aim of the school library award is two-fold: to supply 6th graders throughout Colorado and Wyoming with research materials and to encourage teachers to include the essay contest in their curricula in order to expose all of their students to the significance and opportunities of science-related careers. The schools receiving awards this year are:

• West Jefferson Middle School, Conifer, CO
• Journey K-8, Colorado Springs, CO
• Sargent Elementary School, Monte Vista, CO
• Chugwater School, Chugwater, WY
•  Parker Core Knowledge Charter School, Parker, CO

Honorable Merit Awards: Five students will receive Honorable Merit Awards this year. This year’s prize is a National Geographic Science Magic kit. The Honorable Merit award recipients are:

• Evabelle Amick     Manning Options School
• Elliott Chung     Parker Core Knowledge Charter School
• Aanya Shah      Parker Core Knowledge Charter School
• Kaylan Hong     Parker Core Knowledge Charter School
• Isabella Terril     Parker Core Knowledge Charter School

 
Honorable Mention Awards: Ten students will receive Honorable Mention Awards this year. This year’s prize is the book 10-Minute Science Experiments by Steve Spangler. The Honorable Mention award winners are:

• Madeline Mitchell       Sargent Elementary School
• Helena Morris             Parker Core Knowledge Charter
• Ameena Jodeh           Journey K-8
• Kaden Clausen           Chugwater School
• Kayleigh Barron          Roxborough Intermediate
• Tami Torgler                Sargent Elementary School
• Josip Turk                    Parker Core Knowledge Charter
• Alexander Malatesta    Parker Core Knowledge Charter
• Isaiah Han                   Parker Core Knowledge Charter
• Anshu Metpally            Parker Core Knowledge Charter

 
Thank you to the panel of judges who spent their valuable time reviewing the essays. Without their commitment this contest would not be possible.
 
Check back in January 2022 to find out how you can participate in the 35th Annual Great Women in Engineering and Science Essay Contest. The 2022 essay contest is sponsored by Keysight Technologies.

​Let’s welcome the SWE-RMS FY21 Executive Council!
We asked each EC member to share a fun fact and what they would like to accomplish this year.
​

​Lisa Woodward, President
Lisa Woodward will be continuing in her second year as section President. Lisa spent most of her career in environmental engineering. Recently she is working as a project advisor for the senior design class at the Colorado School of Mines.
 
From Lisa: My husband and I are remodeling most of our main floor so life without a kitchen is challenging. It is a good thing it is summer so we can grill outside. But, I think all of the inconveniences will be worth when we are finished. This year, I am looking forward to working with the EC on innovative ways to connect our membership, outreach and to increase our diversity in these challenging times.
 
Picture is Lisa at Animal Kingdom walking over live alligators.

Christi Wisleder, 1st Vice President
Christi Wisleder is a Civil Project Engineer at Merrick & Company, leading transportation and major drainage design projects as a design consultant for local public works agencies in the Denver metro area. Christi has held many different support roles within the RMS section and was also on the 2020 WE Local Raleigh Local Host Committee Program Subcommittee.
 
From Christi: I’m looking forward to strengthening our section’s corporate partnerships and seeing our virtual capabilities and connections expand. I would like to teach my huskador Maybelle an extraordinary dog trick. My previous dog could open the fridge, fetch a beer, and then close the fridge. While Maybelle will not be taught to open the fridge (she’d eat everything), there is plenty else for her to learn.
 
Picture is Christi (pink scarf) enjoying WE Local Raleigh as part of the LHC.

Ashley Kreuder, VP of Outreach
Ashley works in sustainability and her expertise in life cycle assessment (LCA) allows her to make decisions and justify the best potential outcome using facts and assessment of potential trade-offs. Ashley is also currently the Girls Exploring Science Technology Engineering and Math (GESTEM) committee chair.
 
From Ashley:  I look forward to getting our section more involved in local outreach events and SWENext! (SWENext is a way for girls to become a part of the SWE engineering community as a student through the age of 18). I would like to go to the Grand Canyon this year.
 
Picture is Ashley with her husband in front of the CO state dinosaur.

Sarah Green, VP of Membership
Sarah Green is continuing in her second year as VP of Membership. Sarah works as a Regional Technical Manager for Keurig Dr Pepper. Her favorite things about SWE are meeting other like-minded engineers, inspiring students to pursue engineering, and growing through professional development events. 
 
From Sarah: I worked on an ice cream project for about a year after college! After eating so much of it for work, I took a break from ice cream for a year or two but enjoy it now. I hope to start kegging my own beer soon!
 
Picture is Sarah en route from Vancouver (city) to Vancouver Island.

Heather Munoz, VP of Professional Development
Heather Munoz is continuing in her second year as VP of Professional Development. Heather is an Engineering Director at Sundt Renewables working on large scale photovoltaic solar projects. She will be working on ways to continue expanding the RMS Women In “X” development series.
 
From Heather: I’m looking forward to getting back into running, one of my favorite hobbies, after taking a year off. Half marathons are my favorite distance to train for. One of my goals is to find ways to better serve the RMS membership with virtual development opportunities. 
 
Picture is Heather skiing at Aspen Highlands.

​Kaitlin Chapman, VP of Professional Enrichment
Kaitlin Chapman works as a Quality Engineer at Medtronic and is in her second year on the RMS EC. Her favorite things about SWE include connecting with fellow female engineers, gaining professional development skills, and inspiring the next generation of engineers. In her free time, she loves hiking with her dog, baking, and reading.
 
From Kaitlin: I am looking forward to helping expand the professional development opportunities for our members in SWE RMS and continue to expand my SWE network! This year I am looking forward to saving money for the many travels I am planning once the virus is better.
 
Picture is Kaitlin with her dog Libby.

Jennifer Buechler, Treasurer
 Jennifer is continuing in her second year as Treasurer and has been an active RMS member since moving back to Colorado in 2015. Jennifer is an Engineering Project Manager at Spectra Logic, managing software engineers and technicians to support the manufacturing line. In her free time, she loves hiking, skiing, and cycling.
 
From Jennifer:  I've climbed 31 out of 58 of the 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet)! Since travel options are limited this year, I'm focusing on hiking, trail running, and climbing in Colorado.
For a professional goal for this year, I'm working on strategic thinking and developing a vision for my team.
 
Picture is Jennifer on the North Ridge scramble up Mt. Neva.

Maureen Masiulis, Secretary
Maureen is new to the RMS EC this year. Maureen is a Sector Lead in the Tactical Solutions Survivability and Strike mission area at Ball Aerospace. Maureen has previously been honored with the Society of Women Engineering’s Distinguished New Engineer Award and Society of Women Engineer’s Emerging Leader Award. 
 
From Maureen: Although I have been an active SWE member since 2003, I didn't join a section until recently.  I look forward to learning more about section operations and hope to bring some new ideas from previous Society & Member at Large roles.  What I hope to accomplish this year - Thrive through change! It will be a whole new ball game supporting remote learning for two elementary students for two parents who work full time in roles that require on-site support many days and occasional travel. I look forward to sharing challenges & best practices with all of you!
 
Picture is Maureen enjoying the outdoors.

​Check out the other committee chair members supporting RMS on our leadership page.

Lisa Woodward, President
Lisa Woodward graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in Chemical Engineering and has worked most of her career in environmental engineering. Recently, she has taken on a position at the Colorado School of Mines as a project advisor for the senior design class, where she enjoys working with the students. She was a girl-scout leader for many years as well as PTA president, science Olympiad parent helper, and science fair judge.
 
Favorite thing about SWE RMS: SWE RMS is a fun group of women who are truly interested in helping each other advance in their careers as engineers.
 
Fun fact: I enjoy traveling and hope one day to go to Africa.

Ashley Kreuder, 1st Vice President
Ashley is a professional sustainability practitioner with over 8 years of experience. She is passionate about sustainability in her daily work and lifestyle. Her expertise in life cycle assessment allows her to make decisions and justify the best potential outcome using facts and assessment of potential trade-offs. Ashley has held multiple EC positions and is currently the GESTEM committee chair.
 
Favorite thing about SWE RMS: What I love about SWE-RMS is the support system and opportunities for leadership development.
 
Fun fact: I am a vermicomposter, which means I compost food waste with worms!

Christi Wisleder, VP of Professional Enrichment
Christi is a Civil Project Engineer at Merrick & Company, leading transportation and major drainage design projects as a design consultant for local public works agencies in the Denver metro area. She is a registered professional engineer and a sustainability professional. Christi has help multiple EC positions and has supported many committee chairs. Christi was a key member of the WE Local Denver Local Host Committee leading sponsorship. Christi is also the Merrick-SWE Corporate Membership Coordinator, overseeing Merrick & Company’s SWE membership and support.
 
Favorite thing about SWE RMS: The personal and professional growth network that is available to everyone in STEM, from kindergartener to seasoned professional.
 
Fun fact: I love teaching my Huskador (Siberian Husky/Labrador Retriever) tricks. She’s mastered many barkour talents with jumping on top of a 55-gal drum, army crawling through tunnels, and walking a balance beam.

​Kaitlyn Bunker, VP of Outreach
Kaitlyn Bunker is a Manager with Rocky Mountain Institute in Boulder, CO where her work focuses on microgrids and distributed energy resources in Caribbean island nations. At the Society level, she served as Collegiate Director on the Society’s Board of Directors in FY13, chair for the Curriculum Committee in FY14, and a representative on the Nominating Committee in FY17-FY18. Kaitlyn has served as the section’s Graduate Member Chair, Section Representative and Section President.
 
Favorite thing about SWE RMS: The welcoming community of members - when I moved to CO about 5 years ago I instantly felt welcomed by SWE RMS, and I appreciate all the connections I've made with different section members.
 
Fun fact: my husband and I are currently renovating our house with an end goal of being net-zero energy: the current phase includes lots of energy efficiency upgrades including new windows and insulation, and a heat pump system for our heating and cooling - if all goes well we'll be disconnecting our natural gas line soon and going all electric! Then further down the line we'll be looking at adding solar PV to offset our annual electricity use.

​Sarah Green, VP of Membership
Sarah Green is a Regional Technical Manager for Keurig Dr Pepper. She works with plants to improve and maintain quality. She first joined SWE as a freshman at Purdue University. Sarah has been actively involved in SWE at Purdue, in Eastern Nebraska, and in the Dallas sections. Sarah served as FY19 SWE RMS Secretary and was a 2018 Spring Summit Co-Chair. Sarah likes meeting other like-minded engineers through SWE, inspiring students to pursue engineering, and growing through professional development events.
 
Favorite thing about SWE RMS: Meeting and connecting with other women engineers at a variety of social and professional development events.
 
Fun fact: I recently ran my first half marathon! 

​​Heather Munoz, VP of Professional Development
Heather Munoz is Vice President of Engineering and Consulting at i1 Energy, where she leads the engineering division of her company for photovoltaic solar projects. Heather appreciates the way her position blends business-level perspectives with engineering details as she takes on the challenges of renewable energy. Heather has served in various EC and committee chair positions. Heather was the WE Local Denver Local Host Committee Volunteer Liaison.
 
Favorite thing about SWE RMS: Enabling women to connect professionally and socially.
 
 Fun fact: I’m expecting my first child in January 2020 - wish me luck! 

​Jennifer Buechler, Treasurer
Jennifer has been a member of SWE since 2010 and involved in SWE-RMS since she moved back to Colorado in 2015. She has served as Boulder Local Social Chair for two years and College Scholarships Chair for one year, and she presented at WE Local 2019. Outside of SWE, Jennifer is an Engineering Project Manager at Spectra Logic, managing software engineers and technicians to support the manufacturing line. In her free time, she loves hiking, skiing, and cycling. RMS is excited to welcome Jennifer as a new member of the EC.
 
Favorite thing about SWE RMS: expanding my professional network and friendships with women engineers! This network inspires me, helps me learn and grow my leadership skills, and gives me the opportunity to support others
 
Fun fact: I love to ski and currently have 4 pairs of skis - 1 pair for classic cross country racing, 1 pair for ungroomed cross country, 1 pair for downhill resort skiing, and 1 pair for backcountry skiing!

 
Kaitlin Chapman, Secretary
Kaitlin is a quality engineer at Medtronic with a background in chemical and biological engineering. Kaitlin was active at CU Boulder SWE and served in multiple EC positions before graduating and joining RMS. Kaitling is very passionate about SWE, as she has seen firsthand the value of both the SWE mission and community. RMS is excited to welcome Kaitlin as a new member of the EC.
 
Favorite thing about SWE RMS: The people! There are so many amazing and inspiring women role models in SWE RMS and it is great getting to know them. 
 
Fun fact: I lived on a family farm in North Dakota for the first eight years of my life.

The Rocky Mountain Summit Awards are presented each year to SWE-RMS members, teams, or collegiates who have made an outstanding contribution to activities within SWE-RMS during the fiscal year. We received many nominations in FY19, and are honored to recognize several individuals or groups with Rocky Mountain Summit Awards this year. Our recipients include:

​Jennifer Buechler
Jennifer wears multiple hats this year in SWE RMS, including as the chair for local socials in the Boulder area, and the college scholarships chair. She also presented an engaging session at WE Local Denver titled “Dude, where’s my female engineer?” that focused on opportunities to reduce gendered language in job postings. Her contributions over the past several years were highlighted in her nomination, which states “Jennifer has shown dedication to her roles, and in particular to fostering an inclusive environment for SWE members.” 

Manisha Ghorai
Manisha wasn’t able to attend the SWE Celebration to receive her award in person, but we recognized her for going above and beyond in her support of fund development efforts for SWE RMS. The screen-printing activity and sales of items at WE Local Denver were a creative idea that greatly benefited our section. Her nomination states that “it’s the dedication and commitment of members like Manisha that truly demonstrate the value of SWE to aspire, advance, and achieve.”

​Molly Kuettel
As Section President, Molly is leading the effort to officially re-charter the University of Denver SWE section. This year, she has coordinated several impactful events including the recent Girls with Gadgets outreach day, a joint event last fall with DU SWE, SWE-RMS, and IEEE Women in Engineering, and today’s SWE Celebration. Her nomination states that “Molly’s engagement and partnership with SWE-RMS has established a foundation that will allow our two sections to continue to stay connected and support each other going forward”.

Laura Murphy
Laura’s nomination states that “as a new section member in the last two years, Laura has jumped in to make significant contributions”. Along with her role as communications co-chair this year, Laura volunteers in several other capacities to support women in STEM and the overall SWE Mission, including as a mentor and affinity group leader at her employer, IBM.

Megan Schulze
Megan served as the Local Host Committee Chair for WE Local Denver, and was responsible for leading the team of SWE volunteers while also staying connected with SWE Headquarters and the WE Local Advisory Board. Her nomination summed up Megan’s attitude perfectly: “Megan takes the time to make sure people feel valued and welcome no matter what role she accepts”. For these reasons, Megan received the Rocky Mountain Summit Award with an emphasis on the SWE core value of Trust.

WE Local Denver Host Committee
The entire Local Host Committee for WE Local Denver was nominated for exemplifying SWE standards in professional excellence. They volunteered countless hours to solicit sponsorships, organize volunteers for the event, plan outreach events, coordinate networking activities, and much more. Their nomination states “the conference would not have been such a success without the dedication and passion that they brought in making this one of the best WE Locals yet.” The Local Host Committee members include Kaitlin Chapman, Madalene Fetsch, Sarah Gilmore, Kiera Kaufman , Ashley Kreuder, Sarita Kuppili, Heather Munoz, Dian Nyugen , Theresa O’Donnell Sloan, Megan Schulze , Caroline Short, Brenna Svoboda, Sara Trout, Steven Ulrich, Christi Wisleder, and Lisa Woodward.
 
Congratulations to all of our FY19 Rocky Mountain Summit Award recipients!