A group of Shasta College students from the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program recently attended the 2025 Silicon Valley Women in Engineering (WIE) Conference at San Jose State University from March 14-16. The Shasta College students were able to connect with industry leaders, explore emerging technologies, and learn about career-launching opportunities.
The conference featured keynote speakers such as Sally M. Benson, Precourt Family Professor for Energy Science and Engineering at Stanford University; Rose Castanares, President of TSMC Arizona; and Ya Xu, VP of Research at Google DeepMind. Attendees participated in sessions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biomedical robotics, and autonomous vehicles. A key highlight of the event was an internship and career fair, where prominent industry companies accepted applications from students.
For many attendees, including Tania Calva-Hernandez, a first-year non-traditional STEM/Engineering student at Shasta College, the experience was transformative. “It was exciting and nerve-wracking to see so many big companies there. Being in a space filled with professional women speaking to other professional women was incredibly motivating,” said Calva-Hernandez. “It can be hard to hold onto the idea of working in STEM, especially as a first-generation student. But at the conference, I was surrounded by women who believed I could do this. I left thinking, ‘OK, this is right. I can really do this. There is a place for me in this field.’”
Hannah Watts, an aerospace engineering student set to transfer to UC Davis in Fall 2025, echoed that sentiment. “One of the best elements of attending the WIE conference was the strong sense of solidarity I experienced,” said Watts. “I walked away feeling like everyone there wanted to see me succeed. The conference reinforced that my dreams are attainable.”
Jessica Knight, Program Coordinator for Shasta College MESA, emphasized the importance of such opportunities in fostering student success. “The Women in Engineering Conference is a powerful experience for our students, providing them access to cutting-edge industry knowledge and direct engagement with professionals in the field,” said Knight. “MESA is committed to helping students navigate and excel in STEM careers, and this event is just one of the many ways we prepare them for success.”
Shasta College’s MESA program supports educationally and economically disadvantaged students pursuing STEM through academic resources, mentorship, and career development opportunities. To learn more about MESA at Shasta College, visit www.shastacollege.edu/MESA. For information about the 2025 Silicon Valley Women in Engineering Conference, see 2025.siliconvalleywie.org.
