Two members of the North Alabama professional section of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) were honored with awards at the annual conference, WE24, in Chicago, Illinois. The conference was held from October 24 to 26.

Shela Joyce, Continuous Improvement Lean Specialist at IPEX, and Rachel Carter Snoddy, Software Engineer at Boeing, were recognized for their contributions to SWE, as well as to the larger engineering community, with the Distinguished New Engineer Award.

The Distinguished New Engineer Award recognizes SWE members in the first decade of their career.

Competition for the award is fierce, with SWE receiving over one thousand submissions this year.

Joyce joined UAH’s collegiate SWE section as a freshman. She threw herself into the organization, spending two years developing a mentoring program with local SWENext clubs.

SWENext is a free program for students ages 5 through 18 that introduces them to STEM. Members benefit from connections with like-minded peers, access to mentors and role models, and leadership opportunities.

Joyce graduated from UAH in 2020 with a degree in chemical engineering. Since graduation, Joyce has worked to revitalize the North Alabama professional section of SWE, where she currently serves as president.

As a young girl, Joyce was inspired by her best friend’s mother — who worked as an engineer.

“She was always a cheerleader for me, helping me overcome negativity I experienced in high school,” Joyce told the Huntsville Business Journal. “Because of her mentoring, I was able to build a toolkit for combatting imposter syndrome and negative external influences.”

When asked what advice she would give to young women who aspire to become engineers, Joyce said she would encourage them to be bold and be themselves.

“We need engineers of all backgrounds in order to find the best solutions, so don’t feel like you have to change yourself to be an engineer,” said Joyce. “Your expertise is valued, so don’t be afraid to present your ideas or yourself authentically. And, be bold enough to ask for opportunities to learn and grow; the only true failure is not trying.”

Joyce was a panelist at the WE24 conference, participating in the “Engineering Your Career” discussion.

Snoddy holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in computer science from Troy University and is currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in engineering management at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Snoddy joined SWE in 2021, early in her professional career. She currently serves as the Data Officer to the North Alabama SWE section. Snoddy also lends her talents to the Society Leadership Coaching Committee and the Finance Committee.

She said her father ignited her interest in a career in STEM from the time she was a child.

“I can still remember driving through Research Park in Huntsville and my dad pointing out some of the engineering companies and saying ‘You’re going to work at a place like that one day,’ and here I am!,” Snoddy told the Business Journal. “Without the encouragement of my dad from a young age, I never would have dreamed that this career field would be for me, but he believed in me and always encouraged me. He taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, and striving to be the best I can be in all that I choose to do.”

Snoddy tells young women that choosing a career in engineering is one way to change the world.

“Young women have the potential to make significant contributions to society through engineering, whether it’s by developing innovative technologies, improving infrastructure, or addressing global challenges like climate change,” said Snoody. “Each person’s unique perspectives and ideas are invaluable in shaping the future. Embrace your passion, seek out mentors, and don’t hesitate to make your mark!”

The North Alabama professional section was also honored with two awards at the Chicago conference.

The section was awarded the Gold Mission Award, for its work in helping to fulfill the Society’s strategic aims, and the Membership Growth Recognition, for its growth over the past year.

Young women who are interested in learning more about the Society of Women Engineers should visit www.swe.org.