Chairs’ Message


Engineering Beyond Imagination
What excites us about engineering is that we have a multitude of marvelous tools and techniques to transform ideas into technologies and solutions that improve how we live, work, and interact with the world. This year’s conference theme Engineering Beyond Imagination celebrates the power of engineering to transcend conventional boundaries, turning visionary ideas into groundbreaking realities. As emerging technologies redefine industries and reshape society, we are challenged not only to solve today’s problems but to anticipate tomorrow’s possibilities. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and responsible innovation, we as engineers, researchers, and leaders are able to pioneer solutions that once seemed impossible—and in doing so, shape a future limited only by the scope of our imagination.
On behalf of the Silicon Valley Women in Engineering Conference program committee, we enthusiastically welcome you to the 2026 conference. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and foster a community of aspiring women engineers, professors, and leaders in addressing current and future challenges. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023 only 15% of engineers in the U.S. workforce were women. Our hope is that this conference will excite you about the abundant opportunities for women in engineering – and hearten you that although our numbers may be small, we are actively engaged in shaping our future. This conference is an excellent opportunity for you to gain insights from women engineers in industry, network with your peers, and learn about the latest developments in the field.
There will be 2 morning sessions and 1 afternoon session offering a total of 12 technical sessions and 6 professional development sessions for you to choose from. You will hear from our 2 keynote speakers who are women leaders that have made significant contributions to shaping our future. Our last session in the afternoon offers 6 career panels. Attend a career panel in a field of interest to you to get advice and inspiration from women leaders. Finally, visit the Innovation Showcase to network, learn about and view the state-of-the-art technologies, and meet hiring managers. Don’t miss out on this chance to win prizes at the conclusion of the conference!
We believe that your participation in this conference will not only enrich your educational experience but also help you to establish a network of peers and mentors who will support you as you move forward. Plan for a day of learning, networking, and getting inspired to play your role in Engineering Beyond Imagination.
Wencen Wu, Ph.D.
Co-Chair, 2026 Silicon Valley Women in Engineering Conference
Associate Professor, Department of Computer Engineering
San José State University
Thalia Anagnos, Ph.D.
Co-Chair, 2026 Silicon Valley Women in Engineering Conference
Professor Emerita
San José State University
Sponsors
Title Sponsor



