Join us on campus as we honor the incredible achievements of women engineers at Cornell University. This two-day symposium will bring together alumni, faculty, and students for powerful conversations, dynamic networking, and a chance to connect with a community of trailblazers who are shaping the future of engineering. 

140 years ago, Kate Gleason made history as the first woman to study engineering at Cornell. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our alumnae’s achievements, and ignite essential conversations about the future of STEM.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

March 21 & 22, 2025

Engineering Quad, Ithaca Campus

Faculty Hosts

Lara Estroff, Herbert Fisk Johnson Professor of Industrial Chemistry, and Director of Materials Science and Engineering

Marjolein van der Meulen, Swanson Professor of Biomedical Engineering,and Associate Vice Provost for Research and Innovation

Keynote Speaker

Jill Tarter ’65, Dr. Tarter co-founded and led NASA’s Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Program

Friday, March 21

Sessions will take place in 101 Phillips Hall

1:30 – 2:00 pm              Welcome and Opening Remarks

Krystyn Van Vliet, Vice President for Innovation and External Engagement Strategy, Cornell University

Lois Pollack, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Cornell Engineering

2:00 – 3:30 pm              Engineering Excellence: Balancing the Professional and the Personal

Theme: Panelists will share their personal stories of overcoming obstacles and discuss the importance of representation in breaking down stereotypes within the industry. Panelists will also explore effective strategies for managing work-life balance, advocating for flexible workplace policies, and prioritizing personal well-being in demanding engineering roles.

Panelists:

Andrea Ippolito ’06, M.Eng. ’07, CEO and Founder of SimpliFed; Sr. Lecturer, College of Engineering and SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University 

Elaine Tam ’98, Sr. Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific – Genetic Sciences

Kathy Wilcox ’90, Senior Fellow, Advanced Micro Devices, CPU Core Team

Eva Saftler-Wong ’04, M.Eng. ’05, Associate Director, Aerospace Engineering

3:30 – 3:45 pm                Break

3:45 – 4:45 pm                Keynote Address

Jill Tarter ’65, Dr. Tarter co-founded and led NASA’s Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Program

4:45 – 5:00 pm                Closing Remarks

5:00 – 7:00 pm                Reception in Duffield Hall, Atrium 

Saturday, March 22

Sessions will take place in 101 Phillips Hall 

8:00 – 9:00 am                Breakfast in Duffield Hall, Atrium 

9:00 – 10:30 am              Engineering Herstory: Learning from the Trailblazers

Theme: This panel will explore the evolution of Cornell for women engineers over the decades, sparking a dynamic conversation on how we sustain this progress into the future. Hear from Cornell trailblazers as they share their inspiring personal journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the triumphs that have reshaped the engineering landscape.

Panelists:

Polly Chu MS ’90, PhD ’94, Business Technology Executive, Corning Incorporated, Retired

Beckie Robertson ’82, Partner, Versant Ventures

Jaclyn Spear ’74, Program Manager, Department of Energy Nuclear Nonproliferation Program, Retired

Jill Tarter ’65, Center for SETI Research, Retired

10:30 – 10:45 am            Break 

10:45 am – 12:15 pm      Innovation and the Future of Engineering: Women Driving Change

Theme: As the field of engineering evolves, women are not only participating, but leading groundbreaking innovations across various sectors. This panel will feature a diverse group of engineers, thought leaders, and innovators who will share insights and explore how diverse perspectives fuel creativity and drive progress in engineering.

Panelists:

Fazeela Abdul Rashid ’01, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, HealthBridge Innovation Fund  

Gillian Boehringer ’18, Product Lead, Explo

Malika Grayson MS ’14, PhD ’16, Founder, STEMinist Empowered, LLC

Myra Ya-Lin Wong ’10, M.Eng. ’10, Manager, Offshore Wind Turbine Generator, Invenergy LLC

12:15 – 12:30 pm            Closing and Farewell

***This symposium was made possible by the generous grant awarded by the President’s Council of Cornell Women (PCCW)***