2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Empowering Latin American Women Engineers: Bridging the Gender Gap Through a Network of Change

Presented at Women in Engineering Division (WIED) Technical Session 7 - Multi-URM Perspectives

The global gender gap within the field of engineering represents a significant challenge to society. While numerous initiatives have been launched to tackle this challenge, achieving true gender equity remains a complex task. Latin America is no exception to this reality. The pressing need for female representation in STEM professions and leadership roles cannot be overstated. In response, a group of educational institutions and individuals has come together to establish the Matilda Latin American Open Chair for Women in Engineering. The main goal of this network is to enhance the visibility of women in Engineering and Sciences, inspire new generations to pursue STEM vocations, and support the growth and retention of women at various stages of their STEM careers. Employing a mixed methods approach, this study seeks to evaluate the individual impact of participation in a women's network committed to fostering a culture of gender equality and celebrating the accomplishments of recent years. Some initiatives organized by the Matilda Chair include books featuring the inspiring journeys of women, expert panels, conferences, webinars, mentorship programs, social media campaigns, and research publications. This joint effort hopes to serve as an inspiration and to encourage other institutions to embark on similar journeys, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women in both academic and professional areas. Together, we strive to create an environment of equity where gender no longer serves as a barrier to success and fulfillment in the field of engineering.

Authors

Dr. Vianney Lara-Prieto Tecnologico de Monterrey [biography]

Vianney Lara graduated as Mechatronics Engineer from Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey Campus and holds a PhD in Smart Materials from Loughborough University in the UK. She worked in GE Healthcare as Manufacturing Process Engineer and Advanced Projects Engineer for Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment. She joined Tecnologico de Monterrey as Program Head for the Mechatronics Engineering Program. Then, she was Academic Projects Director, Division Director, National Head of Higher Education of the School of Engineering and Sciences, and her current role is Academic Services Director.

Vianney belongs to the executive committee of the Matilda Latin American Chair for Women in Engineering and belongs to the mentoring and research groups. She belongs to the LACCEI executive board. She is a founding member of Ingenia Women in Engineering and Sciences participating in the linkage, mentoring and dissemination committees. Vianney is a founding member of the OWSD Mexico´s Chapter. She is an IEEE, WIE (Women in Engineering) and IEEE-HKN member. Vianney is a CB Coach certified by the Conscious Business Center.

She belongs to the National System of Researchers (SNI). Her research lines are Challenge-Based Learning, Educational Innovation in Engineering, Interdisciplinary STEM Education, and Women in STEM. She is an adjoint member of the SOI – STEM Socially Oriented Interdisciplinary STEM Education Research Group at the Institute for the Future of Education.
Maria Ileana Ruiz-Cantisani http://orcid.org/https://0000-0002-8467-3178 Tecnologico de Monterrey [biography]

Maria Ileana Ruiz-Cantisani has a PhD in Educational Innovation and Master of Science in Engineering with specialization in Systems and Quality, and Industrial Engineer. She is Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and Sciences, and professor in Capstone Courses on industrial engineering. She leads projects in the areas of educational innovation , virtual reality and student engagement, active learning and women in stem. She is member of Catedra Abierta Latinoaméricana Matilda ( as member of the board that leads the chair, ), and leader of Women in STEM Committee of the Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions (LACCEI). She is member of Ingenia, Women in Engineering and Sciences of the School of Engineering and Science. Ileana is Director of Liaison and Educational Partners of the School of Engineering and Sciences of Tecnologico de Monterrey
Marcela Paola Bentin
Maria Haydée Peralta National University
Laura Romero Tecnologico de Monterrey

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