Carol Coppa '81 was a founding member of the Society of Women Engineers chapter at the University of Hartford, but graduating didn't stop her from being involved. She's still advocating for women in STEM, especially at UHart.
Now other students have the chance to be a part of the movement in their college years, and maybe even beyond, just like Coppa, a senior program manager at Eversource Energy. SWE has an open house Wednesday, Oct. 4.
SWE supports women in STEM and is committed to paving the way for their success. UHart's SWE chapter embodies this mission by offering students community, resources, and a strong industry network for members to connect with. In fact, UHart's chapter acts as a bridge between the academic and professional landscape, with the goal to connect students to industries for internships and job opportunities both during and after their college years.
Tori Radcliffe '25, president of UHart SWE, shares her experiences and highlights the remarkable impact SWE has had during her undergraduate years.
"The SWE chapter at UHart and SWE as an international organization have empowered me to better myself, but also to better the world around me. Through SWE, I have learned how to combine my passion for innovation with my compassion for the people around me," she says.
At the 2023 SWE local conference, Tori had the chance to listen to accomplished women in what she's called her dream careers, who shared insights on dealing with change, lifelong learning, and the importance of being a kind leader. It's through events like these that students gain valuable knowledge, inspiration, and mentorship.
Tori went on to emphasize the profound impact SWE has had on her personal growth and sense of community, sharing, "In the UHart chapter of SWE, I have made lifelong friends and great study partners who strive not for personal gain but to lift each other up toward a balanced and successful future. SWE provides more than career readiness and mentorship through networking events and conferences; it also provides lasting friendship and unparalleled community."
SWE's global network provides opportunities for students like Tori to connect with successful professionals in their chosen fields through networking events--like Coppa. With over 40 years of involvement and the honor of "Life Member," Coppa explains, "Right from the start, I knew SWE was something I wanted to be part of for the rest of my life.”
Eversource Energy's involvement in supporting UHart's SWE chapter, alongside Coppa, is a testament to their commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers.
Coppa graduated from CETA as a civil engineering major and has since actively championed SWE's mission. Carol has served in various leadership roles within the Hartford Professional Section while simultaneously striving to support STEM professions and encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her commitment extends to judging STEM competitions, participating in panels and career fairs, teaching engineering classes as an adjunct faculty member at UHart's College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, and serving on the University's Board of Visitors.
In recognition of her service and dedication, Coppa was honored with the SWE Local Legacy Award earlier this year, and she is set to receive the SWE Fellow Grade at the upcoming national conference in Los Angeles.
When asked what sets SWE apart, she shares, "You have your professional organizations, but something is different about SWE. Our mission is always to outreach, get young people interested, and discover role models. We need to support women who are in school.”
Coppa's partnership with UHart's SWE chapter demonstrates the importance of industry support in shaping the future of engineering. Collaboration between academia and industry helps to advance student careers and facilitate a sense of community and empowerment.