Women in Engineering Society established at AUS with a focus on mentorship and leadership development

The College of Engineering (CEN) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) marked a new chapter for female engineers on February 17 with the official launch of the CEN Women in Engineering (WiE) Society, an initiative designed to turn momentum into a sustained support system. The launch brought together female faculty, students, alumni and industry partners around a shared focus on mentorship, leadership and professional growth for women across the engineering disciplines.

While women in engineering initiatives have been part of the college’s activities for several years, the February launch represents WiE’s official establishment following governance approval by the CEN Dean’s Office. The step comes at a time of growing participation by women in engineering at AUS, with 1,064 female students currently enrolled in CEN.

“Formalizing the WiE Society is an important step in strengthening our culture of inclusion, excellence and leadership,” said Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN. “By setting a clear structure and long-term governance, the society will broaden access to mentorship, elevate women’s contributions in research and innovation, and support our students and faculty to lead, collaborate and make impact across the engineering profession.”

At its core, WiE is a practical platform that helps women navigate the realities of engineering education and the profession, from building networks and confidence to finding mentors and opportunities that support growth. Membership is open to female undergraduate and graduate engineering students and female faculty and staff, while male supporters are welcome to contribute in supportive, non-voting roles. 

The launch program introduced the society’s vision, structure and upcoming activities, followed by a panel discussion titled Women in Engineering: Leadership, Research and Impact. Chaired by WiE’s leadership, the panel brought together faculty members and student representatives to share experiences, reflect on leadership pathways and discuss how the WiE will support women in engineering across academia and industry. 

WiE is chaired by Dr. Vian Ahmed, Professor of Industrial Engineering at AUS. It operates under the oversight of the CEN Dean through a formal governance structure that includes a Steering Committee and an Advisory Board, ensuring alignment with CEN’s strategic priorities, accountability and long-term sustainability.

“Women do not need motivation to belong in engineering, they need access, visibility and the kind of support that does not disappear after a single event,” said Dr. Ahmed “This society is about building that continuity. It connects our students with mentors, peers and industry partners, creates pathways to leadership and research, and makes sure talent is supported with real opportunities to grow and be seen.”

“For many of us, engineering is not just about technical skills—it is about confidence, open dialogue and having mentors who guide you through real decisions. WiE Society creates that space. It gives us access to role models, leadership opportunities and a community that understands both the challenges and the ambitions of women in this field,”  said Sidratul Muntaha Sara, computer engineering student at AUS.

Planned activities for Spring 2026 include mentorship programs for undergraduate and graduate students, research and innovation seminars highlighting female-led work, industry engagement and panel discussions, outreach programs for schools and recognition of excellence through student and faculty awards.

CEN has a history of supporting women in engineering mentoring and outreach initiatives; encouraging female leadership in research projects and interdisciplinary grants; promoting female representation in panels, conferences and public engagement; and strengthening links with industry and professional bodies supporting women in STEM. The WiE Society builds on this foundation by providing a formal platform to increase and sustain these efforts.

Click here to learn more about CEN and its initiatives.