Alumni
Our illustrious alumni include faculty, researchers, industry titans, innovative leaders and more. WIE offers many opportunities for alumni to stay connected with campus and to support new generations of women in engineering.
WIE seeks alumni who are interested in engaging with current students on campus by sponsoring recruiting and networking events, hosting students for on-site visits and job shadowing, and volunteering for WIE events and activities by serving as speakers and panelists or providing interviews for featured stories.
Steffi Chen, ECE '23
"My decision to attend the University of Illinois was sparked by my experience at the WIE luncheon during my senior year of high school. Surrounded by future classmates, supportive upperclassmen mentors, and inspiring faculty, I felt an immediate sense of belonging and possibility. As a student, I embraced opportunities to give back, serving as the ECE Department Lead for WIE Orientation and as an ELA for Engineering 100. My journey at Illinois taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone especially as a woman in engineering. The nurturing environment within WIE and Grainger empowered me to not only excel academically but also to explore my interests beyond the classroom.
From my involvement in the Illini Swim Club, Pulse, to engaging with a campus ministry, I embraced the diverse opportunities Illinois had to offer. I encourage future students not to fear the unknown but to embrace it, for it is through these experiences that we truly learn and grow. After graduating with a BS in Electrical Engineering ('23), I began a Master's in electrical and computer engineering at Northwestern University, carrying forward the lessons and experiences from Illinois into my future endeavors."
Tess Sobol, CEE '21
I graduated in 2021 from the Civil and Environmental Engineering Program at UIUC with a primary in Water Resources. The Women in Engineering (WIE) program played a huge part in setting myself up for success during and after college. I attended the WIE orientation weekend my freshman year, and it did wonders improving my confidence going into the school year. It set the stage for me to make friends, meet staff and current students, and get comfortable with my new surroundings.
During my education at UIUC, my WIE advisor, Angie Wolters, became a consistent support for me in navigating school during difficult times in life. I would not be where I am today without the support that the WIE program gave me. Currently I am working at Kimley-Horn as a Land Development Design analyst in the Chicago-land area. I have worked on designs of anywhere from small commercial restaurants to large data center campuses. I can say with confidence that my education from UIUC gave me the problem-solving skills and engineering mindset I use everyday!
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Hey, WIE alumni!
We want to hear from you! Tell us about your career journey and how your experiences on the University of Illinois campus led you to where you are today.