Female Engineering Mentors & Mentees (FEMM)
Building Women Leaders in Engineering for the 21st Century.
The Women in Engineering Mentorship Institute (WEMI) connects students, professionals, and communities to transform mentorship into opportunity. We’re shaping the future of engineering — together.
Our Vision
The Female Engineers’ Mentorship Model (FEMM) is WEMI’s core initiative. FEMM builds structured networks of support around first-time-in-college women in engineering, pairing each student with four types of mentors: a near-peer mentor, an academic advisor or coach, a faculty mentor, and an industry professional.
This non-dyad model emphasizes sociocultural similarities in mentor–mentee pairings, fostering belonging and confidence while equipping students with survival strategies, academic skills, and professional readiness. FEMM not only addresses retention but also strengthens engineering identity and leadership among young women entering the field.
Background
The Women in Engineering Mentorship Institute (WEMI) empowers the next generation of engineers by connecting students with dedicated mentors, fostering leadership, and advancing equity in STEM. Our mission is to create a supportive community where women in engineering can thrive academically, professionally, and personally — building a stronger, more inclusive future for engineering. Read more in our statement on organizational independence and gift acceptance.
Female Engineering Mentors & Mentees (FEMM)
Through WEMI at the University of South Florida, we have FEMM (Female Engineering Mentors & Mentees), a student organization dedicated to building mentorship and community for women in engineering.
FEMM empowers female students within the USF College of Engineering by fostering peer-to-peer mentorship, skill-sharing, and academic success. Upperclassmen mentors guide and inspire underclassmen, with the goal of increasing the number of graduating female engineers.
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MENTORSHIP
ARTICLE
Mentorship can help close the gender gap in business leadership. Women mentoring other women provides access to opportunities and cultivates their confidence in an often still male-dominated industries.
ARTICLE
Mentoring has been shown to play a key role in skills development, career advancement, success and socioemotional support.
ARTICLE
Starting in a STEM field can be an intimidating experience for young women. Only 8% of STEM employees were women back in 1970, compared to 27% in 2019, according to research from the U.S. Census Bureau.
VIDEO
Sheryl Sandberg explains why mentorship matters for women–and why it’s never too early to be a mentor. Mentorship is a key driver of success.
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Scholarship
Organizations have scholarships to women pursuing an education in science, technology, engineering, or math to encourage STEM degrees.
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A four-part event series exploring the social implications of AI and its impacts on democracy, the environment, and human labor. Join us on-site in NYC or via livestream!
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sCHOLARSHIPS
Whether you’re pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, STEM scholarships for women can help reduce costs and create pathways to long-term academic and career success.
ARTICLE
It’s Time to Redefine Mentorship as Women in STEM
Starting in a STEM field can be an intimidating experience for young women. Only 8% of STEM employees were women back in 1970, compared to 27% in 2019, according to research from the U.S. Census Bureau.
VIDEO
Sheryl Sandberg on Why Women Need Mentors
Sheryl Sandberg explains why mentorship matters for women–and why it’s never too early to be a mentor. Mentorship is a key driver of success.
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Internship position in Patient Safety (PS). Through this position we provide education through job training across a variety of fields within patient safety.
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At NASA, we explore the extraordinary every day and our work is more than just a profession—it’s a lifelong pursuit and a passion.
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The U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program supports intensive research by undergraduate students in any area of research funded by NSF.
Alumni Spotlights
Testimonials
Mechanical engineering
Sonia Darson
During my involvement with Female Engineering Mentors and Mentees, I’ve experienced incredible support and assistance. My dedicated mentor consistently reaches out to me on a weekly basis, and I genuinely look forward to these interactions because they make me feel valued and cared for. These regular check-ins not only inquire about my well-being but also remind me of the importance of taking breaks and prioritizing self-care between my busy work schedule.
Beyond these thoughtful check-ins, my mentor has been instrumental in helping me prepare for interviews, offering support during both my achievements and setbacks. They’ve invested time in getting to know me on a personal level, and their guidance has had a profound impact on my growth and development. In summary, my mentor’s contributions have been invaluable to my journey.
Mechanical Engineering
Brinley Jordan
As a mechanical engineering student at the University of South Florida, my journey into the world of engineering has been both exhilarating and challenging. Transitioning into a new city, a new academic environment, and the challenges that come with the rigorous curriculum of an engineering major was no small feat. Yet, what has made this journey truly remarkable is my participation in the Female Mentors & Mentees (FEM2) organization.
FEM2 is a female engineering-oriented mentor/mentee program at USF and has been a pivotal part of my first year in college. They served as a support system for budding female engineers such as me, connecting us with upperclassmen who offered guidance, assistance, and most importantly, friendship. From the moment I joined, FEM2 has been a source of encouragement, motivation, and a reminder that I am not alone in what seems to be an intimidating, male-dominated field.
Mentorship
MENTORSHIP
Mentoring Matters: The Importance Of Female Mentorship
Mentorship can help close the gender gap in business leadership. Women mentoring other women provides access to opportunities and cultivates their confidence in an often still male-dominated industries.
Mentorship
Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board
Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/committeeof200/2021/10/26/mentoring-matters-the-importance–of-female-…
Mentoring Matters: The Importance Of Female Mentorship
Mentorship can help close the gender gap in business leadership. Women mentoring other women provides access to opportunities and cultivates their confidence in an often still male-dominated busine…
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Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board
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Announcement
Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board
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Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board
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Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board
Resources
Announcement
Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board
Announcement
Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board
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Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board
Researcjh
Announcement
Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board
Announcement
Felicia Wong Joins Data & Society's Board