Western New England University is proud to announce that Dr. Andrea Kwaczala, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, has been selected as the recipient of the Women Engineers (WE) Local FY23 Engaged Advocate Award. This award honors individuals who have contributed to the advancement or acceptance of women in engineering, engineering technology, or science related to engineering who serve as educators in the field.
Dr. Kwaczala's exceptional work in biomedical engineering education has not only made significant contributions to her field but has also been an inspiration to women who aspire to become engineers. Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in STEM has made her a well-deserved recipient of this award. Dr. Rob Gettens, Biomedical Engineering's department chairs says, "I cannot think of a person that more exemplifies 'Engaged Advocate' that Dr. Andi Kwaczala. She truly personifies this award."
Dr. Kwaczala received this recognition at the WE Local Conference in Hartford, CT on March 4th, 2023. She escorted 18 young women from the College of Engineering to the conference. Here, two undergraduate students had the opportunity to present their senior design projects. Dr. Kwaczala presented a Listen & Learn on "Identifying Your Support Network." She also helped support a junior faculty, Dr. Lisa Murray who presented an inspirational talk titled "DEI – Walk the Walk, Don’t Just Talk the Talk!" Kwaczala serves as a role model, a mentor, and a leader to women in engineering and helps to create an inclusive campus at Western New England University.
WNE's exchange student in Industrial Engineering, Solene Bastien, attended the conference and said this. "I spent two days learning from many accomplished women. As I am going to graduate in a couple of months and start building a career, these women reassured me in my choices, and most of all inspired m. I saw how proud of being women engineers and how supportive of each other they were. There is no better example than Dr. Kwaczala's session on Support Networks to illustrate the power of SWE."
Upon leaving the conference, sophomore Civil Engineering student Keara Mooney said "This conference experience was so positive for me. Dr. Kwaczala makes everyone feel so welcome, like we are all a part of her team!" Her continued effort to support her students is what makes her an exceptional candidate for the Engaged Advocate award.
Western New England University is proud to have Dr. Kwaczala as a member of its faculty and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition.
