In celebration of Native Heritage Month, we’re honored to introduce the co-chairs of SWE’s Indigenous Peoples Affinity Group (AG).

Stephanie Thompson (she/her)

Stephanie Thompson is a Navajo (Diné) engineer and STEM advocate with nearly 18 years of industry experience at Raytheon, where she brings practical problem-solving and innovation to her role. With a mechanical engineering degree from New Mexico State University, Stephanie combines her technical knowledge with a passion for STEM education and policy.

As a Doctor of Engineering candidate in engineering management, Stephanie’s research focuses on a data-driven topic where she is gaining valuable skills in data analytics, predictive modeling, and strategic decision-making. Stephanie is committed to applying this knowledge beyond her technical role — she aims to support meaningful change through advocacy and policy work in STEM education. She believes that these tools will help make STEM fields more accessible and equitable especially for Indigenous and underrepresented communities.

In addition to her role as an engineer, Stephanie serves as a school board member in New Mexico and a STEM advocate. Her leadership within the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), as a senator and co-chair of the Indigenous Peoples AG, allows her to connect and collaborate with SWE members on issues like inclusion, education policy, and community engagement. Drawing on her Navajo heritage, Stephanie sees her work in STEM advocacy as “weaving” diverse elements of technical expertise, cultural insight, and leadership to open pathways that make engineering and technical careers more inclusive and impactful.