IEEE TENCON 2019, the Flagship conference of IEEE Region 10 was held during 17th to 20th October 2019 at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatti, Kerala, India.  The 4-day International conference of IEEE Region 10, was inaugurated by Hon Governor of Kerala Shri.Arif Mohammed Khan inaugurated the conference on Friday, 18th October at 10am. Dr.Akinori Nishihara, Director, IEEE Region 10 presided the function. In his inaugural address, Hon.  Governor Arif Mohammed Khan raised a concern over the low participation women in core engineering jobs.

The IEEE Region 10 WIE jointly with IEEE Kerala Section WIE AG organized the WIE Track held on the sidelines of TENCON  2019 on the 19th of Oct 2019. As part of the R10 WIE Track, all the WIE members of the AG were invited to attend the sessions.

The WIE Track showcased the capabilities of two women steering the wheel of technology in two different ways. Dr. Mini Ulanat, chair WIE AG, Kerala Section welcomed the gathering. Ms. Jyothi Ramaswamy, Vice Chair WIE AG introduced the two guests. Ms. Mary Ellen Randall – Fellow IEEE took us through her career advancement and IEEE role progression. She gave a detailed picture on the challenges faced and how she overcame it. She started with her early influences, took us through her IEEE life and how MOVE was conceptualized. She concluded with a famous quote of Maya Angelou that I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Ms. Prema Sankar, an Engineer by education turned wellness expert took a workshop on “Meet Your Future Self”. She is a self taught healer who helps in finding clarity, attain inner peace and increase one’s well-being. The participants felt energized, fresh and motivated.  She made things so simple, light and fun.

There was a good interaction from the audience. The session concluded with a memento presentation by Dr. Bijuna Kunju. Prof. Sunitha Beevi, former Chair WIE AG, Kerala Section delivered the vote of thanks.  In short the WIE track was well received by the participants and the organizers have received excellent feedback and request for organizing more of such events. WIE Affinity Group of the Year Award was presented to Kerala Section on 18th Oct, by Dr. Takako Hashimoto former IEEE WIE Chair and Ms. Mary Randall.  The organizers are extremely thankful to R10 WIE committee, Ms. Emi Yano, Prof. Takako Hashimoto, Kerala Section Excom and all the participants for their excellent support.

Mini Ulanat, Chair WIE AG, Kerala Section