WEPAN Awards

Annual WEPAN Awards Honor Those Advancing Women in Engineering

WEPAN Awards honor accomplishments that underscore WEPAN’s mission of advancing cultures of inclusion and diversity in engineering higher education and workplaces. A robust slate of awards recognizes key individuals, programs, and organizations who have enhanced the engineering profession.

Creating change can be difficult, and the efforts of those who work to increase participation, retention, and success of women and other underrepresented groups in engineering can often go unnoticed and unappreciated. The WEPAN Awards are designed to recognize and thank honorees for their contributions to engineering and equity work in academia, industry, and the wider community.

2024 WEPAN Awards Nomination Open!

The 2024 WEPAN Awards will be presented at the 2024 Collaborative Network for Engineering and Computing Diversity (CoNECD) conference in Crystal City, VA.

Previous Award Winners

FOUNDERS AWARD

The Founders Award honors a WEPAN member who exemplifies the spirit of the WEPAN founders through individual service that has made a significant impact for the organization. As this award is reserved for individuals who have advanced the goals of the organization, it may not be awarded every year. Individuals may only receive this award once. The award is named for the three founders of WEPAN - Suzanne G. Brainard, Jane Zimmer Daniels and Susan Staffin Metz.

Honorees

2022 - Paula Lampley, University of Cincinnati

2020 - Elizabeth Litzler, University of Washington

2019 - Julie P. Martin, Clemson University

2018 - Jenna Carpenter, Campbell University

2017 - Stephanie G. Adams, Dean, Batten College of Engineering & Technology, Old Dominion University

2016 - Beth Holloway, Purdue University

2015 - Paige Smith, University of Maryland

2014 - Tricia Berry, the University of Texas at Austin

2013 - Sheila Edwards Lange, University of Washington

2011 - Jan Rinehart, Rice University

2010 - Cathleen Barton, Intel Corporaton

2008 - Bevlee Watford, Virginia Tech

2007 - Sherry Woods, The University of Texas at Austin

2006 - Brenda G. Hart, University of Louisville

2005 - Barbara Bogue, The Pennsylvania State University

2003 - Cinda-Sue Davis, The University of Michigan

2002 - Linda Scherr, Program Director (retired), Women in Technology Global Workforce Diversity Department, IBM

2001- Sue Scheff, University of Kentucky

2000 - Barbara Lazarus, Carnegie Mellon University

1999 - Karan Watson, Texas A&M University

1998 - Carol Muller, Founder & Executive Director - MentorNet

1997 - Susan Staffin Metz, Stevens Institute of Technology

1996 - Suzanne G. Brainard, University of Washington & Jane Zimmer Daniels, Purdue University

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes WEPAN members whose individual service has made a significant impact on the organization.

Honorees

2022 - Nandika D'Souza, University of North Texas

2015 - Susan Arnold Christian, Virginia Tech

2014 - Beth Holloway, Purdue University

2013 - Jenna Price Carpenter, Louisiana Tech University

2012 - Julie P Martin, Clemson University

2011 - Tricia Berry, The University of Texas at Austin

2010 - Martha Cyr, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

2009 - Paige Smith, University of Maryland

2008 - WEPAN Communications Committee:

  • Shelia Edwards Lange, University of Washington
  • Carlie Bower, IBM
  • Janel Barfield, IBM
  • Leigh Abts, University of Maryland
  • Cathy Pieronek, University of Notre Dame
  • Kristina Kennedy, The Ohio State University
  • Serita Acker, Clemson University

2006 - Walter D. McFall, WDM Associates & Betty P. Preece, Science Education Consultant

BETTY VETTER AWARD FOR RESEARCH

The Betty Vetter Award for Research recognizes notable achievement in research related to women in engineering. The award is named in memory of Betty M. Vetter, long time director of the Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology, who served as the first treasurer of WEPAN, Inc. and was a founding member of the Board of Directors. No more than one award will be given annually. Individuals are only eligible to receive this award once.

Honorees

2022 - Ethel Mickey, University of Massachusetts and Ramón Barthelemy, University of Utah

2019 - Joyce B. Main, Purdue University

2018 - Lynnette Madsen, National Science Foundation

2017 - Julie P. Martin, Clemson University

2016 - Mary Besterfield-Sacre, University of Pittsburgh

2015 - Mary Anderson-Rowland, Arizona State University

2014 - Amy Sue Bix, Iowa State University

2013 - The research team of Matthew Ohland, Susan Lord, Michelle Camacho, Catherine Brawner, Richard Layton, Russell Long, and the late Mara Wasburn

2012 - Daryl E. Chubin

2011 - Michelle Hebl, Rice University

2010 - Peggy Meszaros, & Elizabeth Creamer, Virginia Tech

2009 - Karen Tonso, Wayne State University

2007 - Barbara Bogue, the Pennsylvania State University & Rose Marra, the University of Missouri - Columbia

2006 - Virginia Valian, Hunter College

2005 - Sheryl Sorby, Michigan Tech

2004 - Judy L. Lupart, University of Alberta & M. Elizabeth Cannon, PhD, University of Calgary

2003 - Sue Rosser, Ivan Allen College, Georgia Institute of Technology

2002 - Mary Frank Fox, Georgia Institute of Technology  

2001 - Eleanor Babco, Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology & Elizabeth Cannon, Valarie Haines, and Jean Wallace, Calgary University

2000 - Elaine Seymour, University of Colorado at Boulder

1998 - Pat Campbell, Campbell-Kibler Associates, Inc.

1996 - Emily M. Wadsworth, Purdue University

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING INITIATIVE AWARD

The Women in Engineering Initiative Award recognizes an outstanding project or initiative that serves as a model for other institutions. To be considered, projects or initiatives should be in existence for at least 2 years. The nomination must include assessment data, which may include quantitative and qualitative data. No more than one award will be given annually. Institutions are limited to one award in a three-year period.

Honorees

2019 - California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) Women in Engineering Program & Pennsylvania State University “Engineering Mentoring for Internship Excellence” (EMIX)

2018 - Iowa State University's Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) program

2017 - Cornell University - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Graduate Women's Group & University of Calgary - Cybermentor Program

2016 - University of Maryland: Flexus: The Dr. Marilyn Berman Pollans Women in Engineering Living & Learning Community & Halliburton-Colorado School of Mines: Making the Connection Program

2015 - Learning Resource Network at Boston University

2014 - ELATE (Executive Leadership in Academic Technology and Engineering) Program at Drexel University

2013 - Engineers on Wheels Program - Rowan University

2012 - Recruiting Women to Engineering Program at Colorado State University

2011 - Graduates Linked with Undergraduates in Engineering (GLUE) Program at The University of Texas at Austin

2010 - Lives Improve Through Engineering (LITE) Program at Kettering University

2009 - IBM EX.I.T.E. Camp, Austin, TX

2008 - WELCOME Program - University of Houston

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROGRAM AWARD

The Women in Engineering Program Award recognizes an outstanding Women In Engineering (WIE) program that serves as a model for other institution.

Honorees

2022 - Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program, Clemson University

2015 - University of Illinois, Chicago Center for Research on Women and Gender's Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program

2014 - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Cal Poly Women's Engineering Program (CPWEP)

2013 - Purdue University's Women in Engineering Program

2012 - Rochester Institute of Technology's Women in Technology Program

2011 - University of Wisconsin-Madison's Women in Science & Engineering leadership Institute (WISELI)

2010 - Kansas State University's Women in Engineering & Science Program

2009 - North Carolina State University's Women in Engineering Program

2008 - Rochester Institute of Technology's WE@RIT

2007 - University of Wisconsin - Platteville's Women in Engineering Program

2006 - The Ohio State University Women in Engineering Program

2005 - Clemson University's Women in Science and Engineering Program

2004 - Bristol Community College's Women in Technology Program

2003 - Iowa State University's Program for Women in Science and Engineering  & Worcester Polytechnic Institute Camp Reach

2002 - University of California, Berkeley's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Center for Undergraduate Matters

2001 - Ryerson Polytechnic University-Toronto's Women in Engineering Project

& University of Wisconsin-Madison's Women in Science and Engineering Residential Program

BEVLEE A. WATFORD INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Bevlee A. Watford Inclusive Excellence Award honors individuals or groups who actively and creatively support the success of women of color in engineering at the undergraduate, graduate, faculty, and/or administrative levels. The award is named in honor of Past WEPAN President Dr. Bevlee A. Watford of Virginia Tech, who has served as a strong advocate for women of color in engineering, held a variety of engineering leadership roles in academia, as well as professional and governmental organizations, and been an effective a mentor to numerous women in engineering.

Honorees

2022 - Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, University of Cincinnati College of Engineering & Applied Science

2020 - Karan Watson, Texas A&M

2019 - Gregory N. Washington, University of California, Irvine

2017 - Christine Grant, North Carolina State University

2016 - Bevlee A. Watford, Virginia Tech

INCLUSIVE CULTURE AND EQUITY AWARD

The Inclusive Culture and Equity Award recognizes and honors individuals for leadership in developing and implementing programs that promote positive change to the climate and culture for women in engineering.

Honorees

2022 - Florida Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (FL-AGEP)

2020 - Beena Sukumaran, Miami University

2019 - Susan E. Walden, University of Oklahoma

2018 - Gretal Leibnitz

2017 - DiOnetta Jones Crayton, MIT and Joyce Yen, University of Washington

2016 - Susan Coady Kemnitzer, PhD, National Science Foundation

LEADER IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION AWARD

The Leader in Engineering Education Award honors faculty, groups, or individuals who have created new methods or approaches to enhance engineering education. The award encompasses pedagogical methods, creating course frameworks, and/or effective teaming practices to engage and create an inclusive environment for engineering undergraduate students.

Honorees

2022 - Paige Brown, FDA and Whitney Gaskins, University of Cincinnati

2020 - Beth Myers, University of Colorado, Boulder

2017 - Leon R. Grant III, Marietta City Schools Engineering Pipeline

2016 - Linda Vanasupa, California State Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo

ADVOCATES AND ALLIES AWARD

The The Advocates and Allies Award honors a man or group of men for mentoring, supporting and advocating for the success of women in engineering, or for climate and culture change that supports such success. honors a man or group of men for mentoring, supporting and advocating for the success of women in engineering, or for climate and culture change that supports such success.

Honorees

2022 - Paul Dubina, ElectroLux

2020 - William (Bill) Rosehart, University of Calgary

2019 - Eddy M. Rojas, University of Dayton

2017 - Klod Kokini, Purdue University

2016 - Brett Gunnink, Montana State University

INDUSTRY TRAILBLAZER AWARD

The Industry Trailblazer Award recognizes and honors an employer or an individual or group of employees in industry who enhance the career success of women in STEM professionals, especially women identifying with underrepresented groups. The award may recognize the employer or employee in industry for their exceptional volunteer contributions to the STEM education at the primary, secondary or collegiate levels, especially in reaching girls from groups underrepresented in STEM fields. The name of the award signifies the ability of an employer or employee to “blaze a pathway” through the artificial barriers that prevent women in STEM professions of diverse backgrounds from attaining their full potential.

Honorees

2022 - Paige Brown, FDA

2019 - Cynthia Murphy-Ortega, Chevron & Aicha Evans, Zoox

2017 - Paula Golden, Broadcom Foundation

2016 - Lisa Durham, Argonne National Laboratory

STRATEGIC PARTNER AWARD

The Strategic Partner Award recognizes a professional organization that has partnered to promote WEPAN’s mission and work during the previous three years.

Honorees

2022 - Roberta Rincon, SWE, Rochelle Williams, NSBE, and Dora Renaud, Papaya, representing the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative

2017 - National Academy of Engineering

2016 - American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Year of Action on Diversity

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING CHAMPION AWARD

The Women in Engineering Champion Award recognizes an individual employee in industry for their volunteer contributions to STEM education at the primary, secondary, or collegiate levels.

Honorees

2022 - Beth Anne Johnson, Clemson University

2015 - Tracy Drain, NASA Jet Propulsion Lab & Lisa Freed, iRobot

2012 - Sylvia B. Henson, IBM

2011 - Audrey Romonosky, IBM

2010 - Sandra Witman, DuPont Engineering Your Tomorrow Program

2009 - Janel Barfield, IBM & Kathryn Tobey, Lockheed Martin

EDUCATOR'S AWARD

The Educator's Award honors an engineering educator for exceptional achievement in increasing the participation and retention of women in engineering.

Honorees

2022 - Catherine Mavriplis, University of Ottowa and Trina Fletcher, Florida International University (higher education division); The Gaskins Foundation and Letitia Hubbard, NC School of Science and Mathematics (K-12 division)

2012 - Mimi Lufkin, National Alliance for Partnerships

2011 - Wendy C. Crone, University of Wisconsin at Madison & Barbara Ruel, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

2010 - Sarah Rajala, Mississippi State University & Engineer Your Life, WGBH Educational Foundation

2009 - Mary Anderson-Rowland, Arizona State University

BREAKTHROUGH AWARD

The Breakthrough Award honors individuals or groups for innovative and groundbreaking policies and initiatives to advance the careers of women engineers.

Honorees

2022 - RePicture

2011 - BAE Systems

2010 - Motorola Foundation

2007 - Raytheon Company

2005 - Hewlett Packard Corporation

2003 - DuPont

2000 - IBM

1999 - Corning, Inc.

1998 - AT&T Labs

WEPAN AND DiscoverE GIRL DAY AWARD (NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK AWARD)

Honorees

2022 - Colorado State University Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

2020 - Collins Aerospace

2019 - University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

2018 - University of Toledo Girl Day

2017 - Kennedy Space Center, NASA

2016 - Congressman Daniel Lipinski of the 3rd District of Illinois

2015 - Argonne National Laboratory

2014 - Raytheon Company

2013 - WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), Clemson University; NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) & Lockheed Martin

2012 - Society of Women Engineers  & Exxon Mobil

2011 - Maui's Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Program WISER & Case Western Reserve University

2010 - Rockwell Collins

2009 - Women in Science, Engineering and Technology at Penn State University, Fayette Campus

2008 - Women in Engineering Program at the University of Maryland

2007 - Girls Research Our World Program at Kansas State University

2006 - Women in Engineering Program at The University of Texas at Austin

2005 - Worcester Polytechnic Institute

UNIVERSITY CHANGE AGENT AWARD

The University Change Agent Award honors an individual who has had positive impact within their academic institution with regard to the climate for women in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, with an emphasis on engineering.

Honorees

2022 - Serita Acker, Clemson University

2015 - Sobha Bhatia, Syracuse University & Christina Crespo, Oregon Institute of Technology

2014 - Cordelia Ontiveros, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

2013 - Canan Bilen-Green, North Dakota State University

2012 - L. Pamela Cook, University of Delaware

2011 - Chris S. Anderson, Michigan Technological University

2010 - Helen Buettner, Rutgers University

2009 - Patricia Hyer, Virginia Tech and Debra Lasich, Colorado School of Mines

2008 - Nancy Steffen-Fluhr, New Jersey Institute of Technology

2006 - Eve Riskin, University of Washington

WEPAN PRESIDENT'S AWARD

Honorees

2022 - Ershela Sims, WEPAN and Heather Metcalf, WEPAN

2020 - Laura Bistrek, University of Dayton & Lilen Uchima, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2019 - Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, Tennessee State University

2018 - Lee Ann Cochran, PRADCO

2017 - North Dakota State University's Advance FORWARD Advocates & Allies

2016 - TECAID Mechanical Engineering Department Teams at Michigan Technological University, University of Oklahoma, Oregon State University, Purdue University, & Texas Tech University

2014 - Mary Anderson-Rowland, Arizona State University  & Brenda Hart, University of Louisville

2013 - Cathy Deno, Purdue University

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