Inspiring Future Leaders: ECLN SWAG Experience

On January 29th, I had the privilege of participating in the Empowering Community Leaders Networking, Inc. (ECLN) Successful Women Achieving Greatness (SWAG) program, a leadership and development initiative designed to engage middle school girls in STEM. As a STEM professional, I was eager to share my knowledge of quality engineering through a hands-on activity, demonstrating how structured problem-solving applies not only in manufacturing but also in everyday life.

The event was part of ECLN’s two-year program, which aims to foster leadership skills and community involvement in young students. With the support of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC), volunteers from diverse STEM backgrounds guided students through interactive sessions designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking. I designed an activity that introduced key quality engineering concepts, encouraging participants to think about how consistency and precision impact real-world outcomes.

One of the highlights of my experience was witnessing the students’ engagement and enthusiasm. They eagerly participated, asked insightful questions, and even suggested ways to refine the process. It was rewarding to see their creativity and problem-solving skills in action. The collaborative environment reinforced my belief that early exposure to quality engineering principles can help build strong analytical skills, preparing these students for future success in STEM careers.

This experience also aligned perfectly with my professional expertise in validation and Six Sigma methodologies. Teaching young minds about the importance of quality reinforced the value of structured approaches in my own field. By integrating STEM education with real-world applications, we can empower the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators.

Looking back on this opportunity, I value contributing to initiatives like ECLN that create meaningful learning experiences for young minds. I consider myself among professionals who seek to give back by sharing knowledge and fostering curiosity, and I look forward to exploring future opportunities to do so.

To learn more about the ECLN SWAG program, visit ECLN's website.