Vanderbilt engineering students gathered in Houston this April for a women’s leadership retreat designed to foster connections with industry leaders and to learn lessons from their professional and life experiences.
Held April 9-12, the retreat was sponsored by the Supporting Women in Engineering Leadership (SWEL) program, which provides engineering leadership and professional development support and programming for Vanderbilt Engineering students.
The annual off-campus event brings students and women leaders together for sessions focused on leadership, professional development, and personal growth. They also engage with a panel of Vanderbilt Engineering graduates who have achieved years of experience in various fields, such as the oil and gas industry.
This year’s program featured panels with Vanderbilt engineering alum from ExxonMobil and Chevron employees, with discussions on topics like, “Beyond the Job Offer: Choose the Life, Not the Role.”
Writing on LinkedIn after the event, first-year School of Engineering student Adriana Tan said, “In just one weekend, I saw more of what it means to be an engineer: from contributing to something as unexpected as an ice cream company to becoming a ‘physicianeer’ at the forefront of healthcare.”
Student Mayanine Coto, a first-year majoring in mechanical engineering, said she enjoyed networking and building new friendships.
“The experience reminded me how valuable it is to have programs and mentors that intentionally create spaces for connection, support, and growth,” Coto said. “It also reinforced how impactful the Office of Student Success is in helping students build community and confidence, and I feel very lucky to have been part of it.”
Associate Dean for Student Success Julianne Vernon said the retreat provides opportunities for students to learn how leaders made their way into careers, in turn, offering them a wider perspective for their own college experiences.
“I hope students can learn that transitioning from college to early careers is a milestone that needs to have thought and reflection—as well as the salary,” Vernon said.
The SWEL retreat is part of a broader initiative to cultivate and support women in engineering leadership, made possible through a generous gift from School of Engineering Distinguished Alumna and current Vanderbilt Board of Trust member Cynthia ‘CJ’ Warner, BE’80.