Burns & McDonnell Supports Growth of Wāhine Connect at UH College of Engineering

The Wāhine Connect Program at the University of Hawaiʻi College of Engineering is set to expand its impact, thanks to the support of Burns & McDonnell. This partnership will strengthen the program’s efforts to empower women in engineering through mentorship, networking, and outreach.

“One of the College’s biggest priorities is to increase the number of female engineers we graduate into Hawaiʻi’s workforce. And new programs like Wāhine Connect are meant to provide mentorship and support for our female students to thrive,” said Dr. Brennon Morioka, Dean of the UH College of Engineering. “Support from industry partners like Burns & McDonnell for our programs is essential for our long-term success, so we are immensely grateful for their confidence in what we are doing.”

“With the support of Burns & McDonnell, the Wāhine Connect Program will be able to build a stronger community presence within the College of Engineering and across Hawaiʻi,” said Joy Maehara, an engineering student and program participant. “Our monthly events provide women in engineering the opportunity to connect beyond the classroom, gain valuable mentorship from industry professionals, and share experiences. Most importantly, this support allows us to inspire young girls to explore careers in STEM. I’m thrilled to see how much Wāhine Connect will grow in the coming year!”

“We are honored to support the Wāhine Connect Program at the University of Hawaiʻi College of Engineering,” said Tony Paresa, Pacific Operations Manager at Burns & McDonnell. “We believe in the power of mentorship and community to drive meaningful change and are excited to see the positive impact this program will have on the next generation of female engineers in Hawaiʻi.”

With Burns & McDonnell’s support, Wāhine Connect is poised to expand its reach in 2024, advancing diversity and inclusion in engineering across Hawaiʻi.