Ep 376: Allyship in Action: How Leaders Can Open Doors for Women in Engineering

In this episode, David Parrillo, Ph.D., vice president of research & development for Dow's Packaging & Specialty Plastics division, and Rob Douglas, chief engineer for planning and scheduling at the Space Telescope Science Institute, explore what allyship in engineering looks like — beyond the basics. Interviewed by Laurie Shuster, editor-in-chief of SWE Magazine, they discuss why mentorship isn't enough and what leaders can do to build workplaces where opportunity is built into the system rather than left to chance. Learn Rob's framework for growing from ally to mentor, coach, sponsor, and ultimately champion, and hear how David championed structured programs within Dow that created more equitable opportunities for engineers. Plus, explore practical ways to recognize bias, advocate for others when they're not in the room, and create more inclusive engineering teams. — The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting nearly 45,000 members of all genders spanning 90+ countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org.