Women in Engineering, Chicago Chapter

The Women in Engineering (WIE), Chicago Affiliate of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) serves women engineering and computer professionals in the twelve counties of the greater Chicago area. As part of the Chicago Section, the WIE Chapter provides a local interface to the worldwide network of the IEEE. In addition, the WIE organizes technical presentations, social events, and networking opportunities of interest to women engineering professionals.

Links

IEEE Women in Engineering

Leadership

Chair:

Farnaz Abdollahi is a seasoned data science leader with extensive expertise in big data, telemetry, and statistical analysis. As a Data Scientist at Intel Corporation, She was certified as a technical leader in 2024 for her significant contributions to both technical and leadership initiatives. Farnaz has led several impactful projects, including the development of analytics pipelines serving hundreds of thousands of users, patenting a novel model for PC user experience degradation detection, and spearheading GenAI chatbot telemetry efforts. She holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a strong research focus on human-machine interaction. Passionate about mentorship, inclusion, and innovation, Farnaz actively supports the professional growth of technical teams. She currently serves as the IEEE Women in Engineering Chicago Chair, advocating for diversity and empowerment in STEM.

Vice Chair:

Jiaqi Chen is a data scientist at Google with a deep commitment to advancing women in engineering, inclusive leadership, and community engagement. She actively mentors aspiring professionals through organizations such as INFORMS and Women in Tech, advocating for equitable access to opportunities and greater representation in STEM fields. Jiaqi has led cultural and professional development initiatives through her involvement with Google Asians in Finance and previously served as Executive Vice President of Ascend’s GWU Chapter, where she supported Pan-Asian business professionals and student leadership. Her passion lies in creating supportive, data-informed communities that uplift emerging talent and champion diversity. She holds master’s degrees in Business Analytics from George Washington University and Finance from Johns Hopkins University. Jiaqi currently serves as the IEEE WIE Chicago Vice Chair, bringing her experience, vision, and dedication to empower women engineers across the region.

Secretary:

Sepideh Norouzi is a materials science expert with deep expertise in polymer engineering, coatings development, and soft materials for electro-optical applications. Sepideh earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Carolina, where her research on blue phase liquid crystals led to multiple publications and a patent. She has over eight years of experience in R&D across academia and industry, with a focus on translating advanced material research into real-world solutions. Passionate about mentorship, professional development, and STEM outreach, Sepideh is committed to building strong networks for women in science and engineering. She currently serves as the IEEE Women in Engineering Chicago Secretary, supporting initiatives that empower and connect women in STEM.