AFRL engineer recognized by Society of Women Engineers
Rome, N.Y. – The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has recognized Karen Roth, Chief Engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate here, for her impact on society as well as the engineering community with the SWE Emerging Leader Award.
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes Roth for her work inspiring innovation in technology, passionately contributing to the advancement of women in science and engineering and leading boldly in her chosen career. She has demonstrated technical excellence in multiple areas of the defense industry – from cybersecurity to aircraft and personnel readiness – where she has led projects that ensure our nation’s security. Through her senior leadership at the U.S. Air Force and in the defense industry she ensures the safety of all Americans.
Roth will accept the award during SWE’s annual conference, WE20, which will be held virtually from Nov. 3-14, 2020.
“This award reflects the world-class work that we do here in the Information Directorate to include the more than 1,000 personnel onsite to our global reach through our academic and innovation programs,” exclaimed Roth. “Innovation is so important to me to help increase greater engagement of community partners and ensures diversity of thought, research, and execution. Our Armed Forced and our country are facing new challenges every day and making sure we partner with industry and academia to tackle them as one unified American team will be the critical component to finding solutions to everything from Quantum technologies to cyber security,” Roth said.
“Karen’s recent work in our Innovare open campus effort and cyber vulnerability assessments has made her a world leader in information technology. She has also provided vital leadership in the technical execution of our $1.6 billion portfolio,” said Col. Timothy Lawrence, Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate. “We are so honored for her in receiving this prestigious award!”
The award also recognizes Roth’s continuing dedication to SWE’s mission – striving to highlight the impact and importance of women in engineering across the globe, leading by example, and demonstrating that a career in engineering can be a fulfilling, rewarding pursuit for women of any background.
“The men and women recognized have lived and learned through significant contributions to the engineering community, and they continue to lead in their careers and personal lives,” said Heather Doty, president of SWE. “They are leaders paving the way to empower and inspire future women engineers across the globe.”
About SWE
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. The not-for-profit educational and service organization is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. To ensure SWE members reach their full potential as engineers and leaders, the Society offers unique opportunities to network, provides professional development, shapes public policy and provides recognition for the life-changing contributions and achievements of women engineers. As a champion of diversity, SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in their personal and professional lives. For more information about the Society, please visit www.swe.org or call 312-596-5223.
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has recognized Karen Roth, Chief Engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate for her impact on society as well as the engineering community with the SWE Emerging Leader Award. (Courtesy photo)