WE United walk for Women in Electronics
On Friday, 7th June 2024, Electronic Specifier’s Sheryl Miles and Sophie Mae Mcpherson joined forces with WE United’s UK and Ireland chapter to take part in a sponsored 5k walk-a-thon along London’s Southbank.
The UK chapter for Women in Electronics organised this event to raise awareness for WE United in Europe, with the initiative beginning over four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, to foster networking opportunities in Europe. WE United comprises women and men from around the globe, and annually, its members participate in a charity walk to support women in the industry.
The event helps sponsor young women in tech, enabling their involvement in electronics. Approximately 12 participants from across the UK and Ireland walked along different sites in London for this cause. Women in Electronics also host similar annual walks across the US and Germany over a two-month period which provide numerous opportunities for involvement each year.
Speaking on why she was walking for WE United, the UK chapter lead and walk organiser, Ruth Gray, Director of Sales at Z2Data, shared: “I’m here to raise awareness of WE United in Europe, which is an incredible organisation promoting diversity.”
Women in Electronics, founded by President and CEO, Jackie Mattox, is a charity that seeks to motivate, encourage, and inspire women in the industry. WE United was established to create a supportive network for women in the electronics industry, offering resources, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development. The organisation has grown significantly since its inception, expanding its reach and impact across multiple countries.
The electronics industry, encompassing a wide array of roles from designers to marketers, relies on the collaboration of diverse talents. The women who joined the walk-a-thon represented many facets of the industry, showcasing the importance of each role, from the initial spark of an idea to its dissemination to the world. The WE United walk exemplifies the collective effort needed to drive the industry forward.
The walk is a wonderful way to make genuine, lasting connections. It’s not only about what participants can do for each other professionally, but also about the camaraderie and forming bonds that endure across careers. This sense of connection is one of the unique aspects that makes the electronics industry so special – it’s a close-knit community where relationships matter.