The SWE Central New Mexico section has over 35 years of Service to the Albuquerque Community!

The SWE Central New Mexico (SWE CNM) section received its charter on December 5, 1988. A small group of SWE members living and working in the area took the initiative and decided to pursue the creation of a new SWE section in central New Mexico. 

Documented in the July 1987 meeting notes, the attendees, Stephanie Kuzio, Deborah McIver, Robin Ross and Margie Whipple (Tatro) brainstormed possible section activities which included “judging and giving awards at the local science fairs; distributing scholarship applications and supporting the local student sections; giving Student Achievement Awards; organizing career guidance activities; and having meetings with technical seminars, professional workshops, and social functions.” It’s interesting to note that after 20 years, some of the same activities are still pursued by the section.​

In September, the first dinner/speaker meeting was attended by 17 women. Bi-monthly meetings continued to occur and in February 1988, the group decided it was time to start thinking about petitioning for a charter. 

At a potluck picnic in July 1988, the first section elections were held. Debbie McIver, Barbara Bridgeman and Ellen Hippeli served as the nominating committee. At the picnic, the committee was able to count the votes and announce the results of the election. The first elected officers were:President – Margie Whipple (Tatro)Vice President – Deborah McIverSecretary – Debbie BruntTreasurer – Shirley Bryant (Mondy)Section Representative – Jan WilliamsThe Petition to Charter a Section of the Society of Women Engineers was submitted on August 26, 1988. It was signed by Marjorie Whipple (Tatro), Deborah McIver, Deborah Brunt, Shirley Bryant (Mondy), Linda Long, Ellen Hippeli, Barbara Bridgeman, Barbara Mills, Stephanie Kuzio, Phyllis Pei, Jan Williams, Robin Ross, Suzi Balogh, Ellen Burgess, and Paula Chabai. The charter was granted on December 5, 1988. The charter was presented by SWE president, Suzanne Jenniches on January 28, 1989.

As a result, January 28, 1988 was declared “Society of Women Engineers Day” by the Albuquerque Mayor’s office.