The 9th Annual Conference for Engineering and Diversity was hosted at San José State University in the Student Union ballroom on Saturday morning.
Mechanical engineering junior Anna Vartan said when she heard about the event she reached out to Steven Stowe, the director of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement and Student Programs (MESA), and asked if she could be the co-chair for the conference, thus making her one events’ organizers.
MESA is the college of career preparation which propels student diversity, achievement and opportunity for STEM students to develop team-bonding and communication skills according to its website.
"And I [told] him, ‘I want to do more than just volunteer, what can I do?’ ” Vartan said. “And he's like, ‘You know, if you want to co-chair the event ... We're always excited to have new people.’ "
Vartan said her dad's engineering background in Iran motivated her to follow in his footsteps.
Vartan said she was fortunate to have women participate in the conference, as it predominantly draws attendance from men.
Ashraf Habibullah, the president and CEO of Computers and Structures Inc. said the economic structure cannot grow because without it the economy comes to a halt.
Habibullah said he was on campus a few months ago and it was a women's conference that brought him back to speak to engineering students.
“I was here earlier. A few months ago, I was here. I think it was the Women's Conference I attended.” Habibullah said
“You are the reason there is even an economic infrastructure,” Habibullah said. “If you stopped working, the whole economy would come to a screeching halt. It's a profession that represents happiness.”
Habibullah also said when he began working with computers, he started from the ground and through time, he began to work his way up the engineering ladder.
“I basically got an opportunity to learn some sort of starting at the ground floor, and that was extremely exciting,” he said. “I just kept with that and it was something that I just enjoyed.”
Computer engineering senior Eugene Chan said he found the event through a Canvas announcement from his engineering professor.
Chan said he wanted to study mechanical engineering because he enjoys building and worked in construction with his dad.
“I do construction with my dad, so I like building, I actually built a house with my dad,” Chan said. “It was really cool.”
Chan said he advises anyone to show their identity, their love and passion about engineering and to celebrate diversity.
“Celebrating everyone's authentic self, your true personality, spirit and character; wanting to build a supportive community (for) your peers and ally is critical for success,” Chan said. “It actually focuses on the engineering side of engineering major students.”
Chan said he would like to work with everyone who has the engineering principle in their mind, who loves to learn, and improving their skills.
