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SWE Pittsburgh 2026 Professional Development Day Insights

April 22, 2026

The SWE Professional Development Day emphasized the importance of intentional scheduling, setting boundaries and understanding career load versus career growth, especially for emerging leaders. Creating space for professional development and networking enables women to build relationships, share best practices and support one another both personally and professionally, ultimately fostering sustainable growth and focus on what matters most.

ECI was proud to sponsor this annual professional development and networking event and to be well represented in the program, with Connie Yuan serving as a panelist and Rose Bull presenting to attendees. Their insights and experiences helped drive meaningful conversations around leadership, career sustainability and navigating growth. Rose concluded her presentation with this inspiring statement: "Growth will always ask something of you. The goal isn’t to stop becoming. It’s to make sure you’re not shrinking while doing it."

Through its ongoing relationship with the Society of Women Engineers Pittsburgh Chapter, the ECI Women’s Professional Network continues to create opportunities for learning and connection. This event was a valuable chance for our group to engage with a broader community of women in engineering, exchange perspectives and build lasting professional relationships.

Bella McGregor, Inside Sales Engineer, reflected on her experience: "This was my first time attending a SWE Professional Development Day. The event featured two speakers from ECI along with speakers from other companies, all centered around the theme ‘Balanced to Lead, Powered to Grow.’ The sessions I attended focused on passion, work/life balance, boundaries, leadership, growth, belonging and authenticity. As a young female engineer, events like this make me feel truly supported and seen.”

Spending a full day alongside women who are committed to continuous learning and professional development was both energizing and inspiring.

Rachel Dering, Inside Sales Specialist, shared that "Attending the SWE Professional Development Day was a great reminder of how powerful gratitude and connection can be. The sessions reinforced the importance of staying true to your authentic self, keeping your mind focused on growth, your heart grounded in appreciation and your hustle fueled by curiosity. This balance supports success both at work and beyond it."

We'd like to express a sincere thank you to the SWE Pittsburgh team for organizing another outstanding Professional Development Day and fostering a welcoming space for growth and collaboration.