Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast (GSCCC), are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Amy Fleischer, Dean of the College of Engineering at the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) and GSCCC board member, for receiving the prestigious Society of Women Engineers’ (SWE) national award for “Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” This recognition is a testament to Dr. Fleischer’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity in the STEM fields and her exceptional leadership in creating a more diverse and equitable community.

Dr. Fleischer’s recent accolade from SWE is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of engineering and her advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Leading nine departments and overseeing 14 different engineering degree programs for 6000 students at Cal Poly, Dr. Fleischer has been at the forefront of promoting STEM opportunities in K-12 education and supporting various STEM outreach initiatives, including partnerships with our council, GSCCC.

We interviewed Dr. Amy Fleishcher to tell us more about the award and the significance it brings to her cause.

Interview with Dr. Amy Fleischer:

Q: What was your initial reaction upon learning about this award? How did you feel?

Amy Fleischer: I was incredibly surprised that I was selected. There are a lot of people working on equity issues in engineering, and to be chosen as the honoree was humbling. I am incredibly proud of what my team has been able to accomplish, and also know that there is so much more work to do.

Q: Could you share the significance of this award within your field?

Amy Fleischer: This award was given to me by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Founded in 1950, SWE is the oldest and largest organization of women in engineering in the world. SWE has more than 40,000 members, and 17,000 of those attended the conference where the award was presented. SWE’s entire mission is advocacy for the advancement and support of women in engineering with a key goal being to champion diversity in the engineering and technology professions while promoting an inclusive environment. To be selected as the 2023 SWE honoree for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion is incredibly meaningful when that is the entire focus of the organization.

Q: What inspired or drove you to pursue the work that led to this recognition?

Amy Fleischer: As a woman in engineering, there are many times in which I have been the only woman in the room. My experience in Girl Scouts growing up gave me enough confidence to be able to navigate those situations, and I want to make sure that the next generation has that confidence as well. I want to make the profession more diverse and more equitable so that women’s voices are heard and centered. It is vitally important that women play a role in the development of the technology that has such a profound impact on our everyday life.

Q: How does this award align with your long-term goals and aspirations?

Amy Fleischer: I would love to see a world where women and men become engineers and scientists in equal numbers. This award recognizes the progress that we are making, but there is a lot more work to do. That is one reason why I also serve as a Girl Scout board member. The work that Girl Scouts are doing in exposing girls at a young age to engineering changes the cultural narrative around engineering. We ALL belong in engineering.

Q: Could you highlight a particular moment or milestone that stands out in your mind related to this award?

Amy Fleischer: I will always remember traveling to LA with an entire contingent of women engineers from Cal Poly. We brought over 70 women engineers from our college, from those in their late teens to those in their 60s. It was a powerful and affirming experience to all be together.

In conclusion, Dr. Amy Fleischer’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a milestone for the entire engineering community. Her dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion sets an inspiring example for us all. We are proud to celebrate Dr. Fleischer’s success and look forward to witnessing the continued positive impact of her leadership on the STEM landscape. A great Girl Scout Congratulations, Dr. Amy Fleischer!