1. WE Local Awards Training Webinar
August 9, 2018

2. Why WE Local Awards?
After the dissolution of regions at the end of FY18, a major source of recognition for SWE members (Region Awards) is no longer available
WE Local Awards fill in the gap left by Region Awards
WE Local Awards will also provide many more opportunities for recognition of extraordinary SWE members and groups than Society awards alone

3. Available WE Local Awards
Professional Awards
WE Local Legacy
WE Local ELiTE
WE Local Young ELiTE
WE Local Integrator
Engaged Advocate
Collegiate Awards
Guiding Star
Rising Star
Group Awards
Outstanding Outreach Event
Outstanding Professional Development Event
Joint Professional/Collegiate Event
Diversity & Inclusion Partner
Sustaining Benefactor
Optional Awards
WE Local Pieronek Memorial Public Policy Grant Award
WE Local Host Committee optional awards

4. WE Local Awards Overview
All applications are put into a common pool (i.e. not separated by the WE Local the applicant is attending)
Awards are open to international recipients
After recipients are selected, they will be asked to choose at which WE Local their award should be presented (including international WE Locals)
The number presented at each conference will likely be different
Most awards are announced/presented at the WE Achieve banquet at the end of each WE Local

5. WE Local Awards Timeline
July 1, 2018
Communications Roll-out and Training for WE Local Awards Begin
August 1, 2018 –
September 30, 2018
Application window open
October 1, 2018 –
November 15, 2018
Judging of awards submissions
November 15, 2018 –
November 30, 2018
Communicate with recipients, finalize WE Local attendance selection
January 2019 –
March 2019
WE Local Conferences are held

6. How to Apply
Professional and Collegiate Awards:
Most awards require:
Online application form
Formal statement
Professional resume
SWE resume
1-3 supporting letters
100 word (or less) biography
For Group Awards:
Most awards require:
Online application form
Formal statement
Applications can also include optional photos/supporting documentation
Exact requirements for each award can be found on the SWE website:

7. Awards Definitions Professional Awards WE Local Legacy
For SWE members who have made significant contributions to SWE and the engineering profession for at least 15 years
Maximum of 5 awards annually
WE Local ELiTE (Emerging Leader in Technology & Engineering)
For SWE Members who are actively engaged in an engineering or technology profession and have years of experience
Maximum of 15 awards presented annually
WE Local New ELiTE
For SWE members, who have demonstrated outstanding technical performance and leadership in SWE and their community, in the first 10 years of their career

8. Professional Awards, Continued
Awards Definitions
Professional Awards, Continued
WE Local Integrator
For individuals who have been instrumental in establishing a programs for their organizations to improve the ability of women engineers and other employees to integrate or balance work and family responsibilities
Maximum of 5 awards presented annually
Engaged Advocate
For individuals in the following categories who contribute to the advancement and acceptance of women in engineering: K-12 Educator; Collegiate Educator/SWE Faculty Advisor/SWE Counselor; Entrepreneur; or STEM Professional
Maximum of 12 awards presented annually

9. Awards Definitions Collegiate Awards Guiding Star Rising Star
For exceptional collegiate leaders with at least two (2) years of SWE membership at the time of application who have made outstanding contributions to SWE, the engineering community, their campus, and the community
Maximum of 15 awards presented annually
Rising Star
For SWE collegiate members with less than 2 years of SWE membership at the time of application who have made outstanding contributions to SWE, the engineering community, their campus, and the community

10. Group Awards Awards Definitions
For the purpose of these awards, the term “SWE Group” is defined as any group of Collegiate or Professional SWE members that supports the SWE mission. This can include a SWE Section, SWE Affiliate (including community college affiliate groups and sections), Members At Large, Affinity Group, Corporate Employee Resource Group (ERG), or other group of SWE members.

11. Group Awards, Continued
Awards Definitions
Group Awards, Continued
Outstanding Outreach Event
For a group or groups who plan and carry out a high quality outreach event to inspire future engineers
Maximum of 12 awards presented annually, two each to small, medium, and large professional SWE groups and two each to small, medium, and large collegiate SWE groups
Outstanding Professional Development Event
For a group or groups who plan and carry out a high quality professional development event to help women achieve their professional goals

12. Group Awards, Continued
Awards Definitions
Group Awards, Continued
Joint Professional/Collegiate Event
Jointly bestowed upon a professional SWE Group and a Collegiate SWE group who have planned and implemented a joint SWE event between the two groups
Maximum of 5 awards presented annually
Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Partner
Recognizes groups that promote diversity and inclusion and shows commitment to SWE’s mission and goals.
Nominees must fit one of the following categories: Diversity partner group (such as AISES, NSBE, or SHPE sections or chapters, etc.); Employee Resource Group; and Small Company
Maximum of 12 awards presented annually

13. Awards Definitions Group Awards, Continued Sustaining Benefactor
Recognizes organizations that have provided significant support to SWE members and/or a SWE group through either financial methods or through volunteerism
Maximum of 10 awards presented annually
Group Growth
Recognizes SWE groups that have demonstrated exceptional membership growth over the past year. No application is necessary, as this award is determined based on SWE membership data. This award only recognizes SWE Sections, Affiliates, and MAL groups.
Group Retention
Recognizes SWE groups that have demonstrated exceptional membership retention over the past year. No application is necessary, as this award is determined based on SWE membership data. This award only recognizes SWE Sections, Affiliates, and MAL groups.

14. Additional Recognition
Chicago Regional Section Sponsored Grant
WE Local Pieronek Memorial Public Policy Grant Award; intended to provide funds or reimbursement for groups or individuals in order to allow them to influence public policy
“Local Flavor” Optional Awards
At the discretion of the WE Local Host Committee for each conference, additional awards may be awarded at each WE Local. In general, these awards will not involve a formal application.

15. Additional Recognition
Group Anniversaries
SWE groups with 10, 25, 50, and 65 year anniversaries in the current fiscal year will be highlighted at WE Locals
Member Anniversaries
SWE members with 10, 25, 50, and 65 year anniversaries in the current fiscal year will be highlighted at WE Locals

16. Relationship between WE Local Awards and SWE Awards
If you win a WE Local award, you are still eligible to apply for a SWE individual award in the same fiscal year (including a SWE award that corresponds to the same WE Local award)
If you have previously won an individual SWE award, you are then ineligible to win the corresponding WE Local award
Award Name
Corresponding Society Award
WE Local Legacy
Distinguished Service Award, Upward Mobility, Achievement Award
WE Local ELiTE
Emerging Leader
WE Local New ELiTE
SWE Distinguished New Engineer
WE Local Integrator
Work Life Integration Award
Engaged Advocate
Advocating Women in Engineering
Guiding Star (Exceptional Collegiate Leader)
Outstanding Collegiate Member Award
Rising Star (Future Collegiate Leader)

17. Further information on the WE Local awards can be found here: Questions?