On March 28, SWE members and guests attended the Bridge Repair Methodology meeting at Hangar One Steakhouse. Will Pyles, I.E. from Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) gave a presentation on the various aspects of inspecting bridges and the ratings each structure receives. He explained various problems that are found through inspections and how those problems are fixed through rehabilitation and repair projects. PEC is responsible for the biannual Wichita bridge inspections, so Pyle’s presentation included pictures of many familiar (and sometimes scary!) bridges throughout the area.
The Wichita Section hosted an evening with John Oswald, manager of Airport Engineering & Planning. 15 members and non-members attended. John discussed the plans for the new Mid-Continent Airport terminal building. He showed us the plans, explained each phase of the project and showed us a video model of the new terminal’s interior. He also answered questions from those in attendance. We requested a tour of the new building before it opens in 2014.
On Saturday October 22, the Region i Leadership Coach, Suzanne Dodson, presented two leadership modules to the Wichita SWE section. The modules covered “Managing Different Generations” and “Effective Personal Communication”. It was a very informative session in which several people from the different generations had “aha” moments as to why the different groups do things the way they do! We were pleased to have 11 people attend the event and are looking forward to planning future session covering other modules! If you would be interested in a specific topic or want more information of those that were covered contact wichitaswe@gmail.com.
The Leadership Coaching Committee provides proactive leadership coaching to SWE organizational units, including sections, regions, and MALs. Trained Leadership Coaches provide Society leadership with the coaching and support essential to maintaining healthy, vital, and growing section, region, and MAL organizations. Training modules on various aspects of SWE operations, and/or necessary leadership and management skills for SWE success, are available.
The Wichita Section hosted a networking clinic featuring Dawn Maxwell. 32 people were present for the meeting, including 3 students and 15 non-members. The event was a hands on session that had the participants up and moving around and practicing the skills she was teaching us about. At the conclusion of the event we had multiple people ask that we bring Dawn Maxwell back again next year.
Dawn Maxwell provided us with her Top Ten list of suggested book/resources:
1. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
2. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazi
3. The Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine
4. What’s Your Story? Using Stories to Ignite Performance & Be More Successful by Craig Wortmann
5. Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? By Seth Godin
6. “Managing Yourself: A Smarter Way to Network”, Harvard Business Review, July 2011
7. Make Your Contacts Count by Anne Baber & Lynne Waymon
8. Conversations for Change by Shawn Kent Hayashi
9. The Leadership Challenge by Barry Posner
10. Why Employees Don’t Do What They’re Supposed To by Ferdinand Fournies
The Wichita Section kicked-off the new year at Watermark Books. Jessica Stitt presented an overview of what SWE is as well as what the Wichita Section has to offer. It was exciting to have 22 people present for the meeting, representing 8 different companies. Of those 22 people 11 of them had not been to a Wichita Section event before. This was a great location for the kick-off meeting and it was a great way for people to learn more about what our section has to offer and to learn about volunteer opportunities. We had 6 new people sign up to participate and help with different committees and events. One lucky attendee won the door prize “Knowing Your Value” by Mika Brzezinski
AIAA and SWE hosted a joint meeting with Dr. Felder, FAA, Director of William J Hughes Technical Center. Dr. Felder gave an interesting talk about the current air traffic control system and the next gen system that is currently in development. He also discussed the center where he works and its testing capabilities. This was a great networking opportunity for SWE and AIAA members, and SWE hopes to particpate in more collaborative meetings with professional engineering organizations in the area.
2012 Society of Women Engineers Wichita Area Section I05 PO Box 1096 Wichita, KS 67201 E-mail: Wichita@swe.org
This non-profit organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
Jennifer Wright, President of the Orpheum, will take us on a tour, discuss the history of the Orpheum Theatre, and share stories from her career.
