the Society of Women Engineers Los Angeles Presents

2026 Professional Development Conference

join swe-LA for our Annual

Professional Development Conference (PDC)

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual PDC! Links to the photo folders can be found below in the ‘Recent Updates’ section.

  • Friday, April 24th, 2026
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • ASU California Center Broadway
  • $220 In-Person | $20 Virtual
  • Sponsorship Opportunities Available

About This Event

The Society of Women Engineers Los Angeles chapter is thrilled to welcome you to our 2026 Professional Development Conference!

Each year, SWE‑LA brings together a vibrant community of engineers, leaders, and innovators for a one‑day conference designed to uplift voices, celebrate the trailblazers of women in STEM, and create meaningful opportunities for connection and growth.

This year, we’re excited to add an extra spark to the experience with a Foto Spark photo booth, giving attendees a fun way to capture memories and share in the day’s festivities.

All proceeds from this event support the annual SWE‑LA Scholarship Program, helping us continue our mission of empowering the next generation of women in engineering.

Join us for a day filled with inspiration, community, and momentum. Whether you’re looking to elevate your personal brand, explore new career opportunities, or give back through mentorship, this conference is your space to learn, connect, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in your engineering journey.

Recent Updates

Thank you to everyone who attended PDC’26!

Photos from the event can be found in the folders below.

Did you take pictures throughout the day? Add them to the general events photos folder!

Agenda

Time

Description

8:30 – 9:30 AM

Registration & Breakfast

8:55 – 9:00 AM

ASU Venue Recognition

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Welcome & Corporate Recognition

9:15 – 9:25 AM

SWE Los Angeles Overview

9:25 – 9:45 AM

SWE Los Angeles Awards Ceremony

9:45 – 10:15 AM

Morning Keynote – Resilience: Managing Change through the Unexpected

Evelyn Cortez-Davis

10:15 – 10:35 AM

Break & PDC Group Picture

10:35 – 11:15 AM

Morning Fireside Chat – The Power in Community: Navigating Accessibility in a Business Environment

Aida Berduo Berry & Alvina Prasad

11:15 – 11:55 AM

Coaching Session – Building Confidence & Professional Branding: Owning Your Voice, Amplifying Your Impact

Helena Geraci

11:55 AM – 12:15 PM

Lightning Talk – Find Your Mentor, Build Your Future

Nisa Hester

12:15 – 1:15 PM

Lunch & Company Photos

1:15 – 2:00 PM

Afternoon Keynote – Purpose is Power: Why Connection is the Future of Engineering Leadership

Harriet B. Nembhard

2:00 – 2:40 PM

Coaching Session – End the Hustle Trap: The Work-Life Reset You’ve Been Missing

Diana Lippert

2:40 – 2:50 PM

Break

2:50 – 3:30 PM

Afternoon Panel – The Room Where It Happens: Why Adaptability Matters

Leticia Solis & Dr. Siari Sosa

3:30 – 4:45 PM

Speed Networking Activity

Jodi Kreiner & Cindy Hsu Davis

4:45 – 5:00 PM

Closing & Upcoming SWE-LA Events

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Evening Networking Reception

Food Offerings

We are excited to welcome back the women-owned and operated team at Good Gracious for our 2026 PDC catering!

Enjoy an assortment of breakfast pastries, a spread of scrumptious lunch offerings, and close out the event with our happy hour hors d’oeuvres. It’s a culinary experience you won’t want to miss!

Freshly brewed dark roast organic regular and decaffeinated coffee, half & half, oat milk, white and raw sugar cubes, lemon Tea Forte, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, English Breakfast, Moroccan Mint.

Zesty pink grapefruit lemonade with rosemary, iced tea with lemons, simply chilled mineral water.

  • Blueberry streusel cake (gf/vegan)
  • Petite fruit and cheese danish
  • Mini glazed donuts with purple milk and dark chocolate drizzle
  • Tomato, Spinach Leek Tartlet
  • Coconut milk chia seed pudding
  • Breakfast fruit cups including cantaloupe, honeydew and blueberries.
  • Flame grilled and weaved on wooden skewers: lemon grass beef rib eye steak & * seasonal vegetables (vegan)
  • Smashed Potatoes: smashed crispy white and rose potatoes dusted with sea salt, cracked black pepper and chopped green onion
  • Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: Shaved brussels sprouts with garlic, onion, lemon juice, spinach finished with brussels petal leaves and parmesan shreds
  • Chicken Salsa Verde Hand Pies: handcrafted golden savory short crust pastry pies roasted chicken salsa verde with garlic, cilantro serrano tomatillo
  • Buddha Bowls: roasted sweet potato, broccoli, baby kale, red onions with oven roasted chickpea, red quinoa, cilantro and mint with tahini sauce
  • Bowl of Fresh and Juicy Strawberries & Blueberries
  • Best EVER chocolate chip toffee cookies
  • Carrot cake cupcake with cream cheese frosting (no nuts)
  • Thai Chicken Endive Cup: coconut-poached chicken with lemongrass, lime leaf, and chili mango relish in a crisp endive leaf
  • Onion Crisps Potato Cannoli: house made savory cannoli filled with mashed potato, pancetta, chive, garlic, crispy onion, dusted with mushroom (some without pancetta so they are vegetarian)
  • Yellow Tail Ceviche Salad: a light and refreshing blend of yellowtail sashimi ceviche topped with shaved raw mango salad on wonton crisp
  • Mac & Cheese Cupcake: creamy macaroni cheddar cheese layered in cupcake form, bread crumb gratin crusted
  • Mushroom Rockefeller: roasted cremini mushroom filled with garlicky spinach shallot mushroom gratin

Sponsorship Opportunities

Current event sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Purple Sponsors

Signage Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsors

Venue Sponsor

  • Cargill
  • Cushman & Wakefield
  • Southern California Edison
  • Swinerton
  • Kindeva
  • Niagara Bottling
  • Clark Construction
  • Torrance Refining Company
  • LA Sanitation & Environment
  • SGH
  • Granite
  • ASU

As a DEI non-profit organization, we appreciate any and all support to make this event happen!

QUESTIONS?

Contact SWE PDC Chairs at pd.swela@swe.org.