WIE Magazine -

IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine is the first magazine to focus on issues facing women who study or work in IEEE’s fields of interest. IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine strives to recognize women’s outstanding achievements in electrical and electronics engineering as well as enhance networking and to promote membership in IEEE Women in Engineering. The publication also advocates for women in leadership roles and career advancement for women in STEM professions, and it facilitates the development of programs and activities that promote the entry into and retention of women in engineering programs.

The Future of Malawi

In 2009, Joyce Banda was elected Malawi’s first female vice president, but only months later she found her job in jeopardy when she refused to back the nomination of President Bingu Wa Mutharika’s brother Peter as successor of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Mutharika fired her as vice president of the DPP for “anti-party” activities, but thankfully there was no impeachment. She continued to serve as the legal vice president of Malawi until 5 April 2012, when President Bingu Wa Mutharika suffered a fatal heart attack. When Mutharika’s cabinet sought to block Vice President Banda from becoming president, Army Commander Henry Odillo assured her of his support.

Days later, Banda, leader of the newly established People’s Party, was sworn in as the first female president of Malawi, granting her, until May 2014, the opportunity to bring lasting change to one of the world’s most impoverished countries.

One of the many items on her agenda was to arrange a meeting with IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine Editor-in-Chief Karen Panetta. In a stately New York hotel, President Banda sat with Panetta and told her about the drought, the children in orphanages, and the abundant African sunshine whose power she wished she could harness. In return, Panetta informed Banda about the international community of IEEE Members who were willing to tackle such challenges. They spoke about online education, solar trailers capable of powering 40 homes, and volunteers who could train local teachers in technology. The 10-min meeting turned into an hour, and when Her Excellency departed, she called it the best meeting she had had in New York.

WIE Magazine

December 2020, Volume 14, Number 1

Magical Pathways

FEATURES

A Path to Space Exploration: Systems Engineering Propels Williams

Aiding the Asian Elephant: Ringing the Bell on Animal Advocacy

Be the Flamingo: Grow Your Career By Balancing the Known and Unknown

Columns/ Departments

Letter From the Editor: Pathways to Innovation

Women to Watch: A Bold Revolution

Career Advisor: Being a Tech Mom: And Acing It

Pipelining Attractive Programs for Women: Stony Brook’s Women in STEM Leadership Program

WIE From Around the World: Women in Control Luncheon Event

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Main Content

December 2020, Volume 14, Number 1

FEATURES

Columns/ Departments

Footer

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