2015-2016 Events
View all of Western Michigan SWE's events our online calendar! Or subscribe to our feed with Outlook, iCal, etc.
Mary Dykstra, CPO: Organize Your Home Life to be Better Prepared for Work
Meeting Information
We have a great meeting coming up! Mary Dykstra, a Certified Professional Organizer, will be coming to talk to us about "How to Organize Your Home Life to be Better Prepared for Work"
About Mary Dykstra, CPO...
Mary Dykstra, CPO®*, has been helping corporate, residential and entrepreneurial clients get organized since 1984 – and she can help you too! After earning her MBA, Mary worked as a marketing consultant and project manager for a number of years, making her particularly attuned to organizing and time management challenges. She continues to take a multi-disciplinary approach to ongoing research and development in a variety of areas that directly impact her clients. Mary’s training, education and two decades of experience have put her at the top of her game.
When Mary is not actively speaking, teaching or working one-on-one with her clients, she enjoys non-fiction reading, sailing, landscaping, traveling throughout the world and experiencing new foods and cultures. She has a keen sense of humor and enjoys engaging with people.
Website: http://www.withinreach.biz
* Certified Professional Organizer – one of fewer than 500 in the country.
Location:
Erhardt Training Room
6060 E Fulton
Ada, MI 49301
We have a great meeting coming up! Mary Dykstra, a Certified Professional Organizer, will be coming to talk to us about "How to Organize Your Home Life to be Better Prepared for Work"
About Mary Dykstra, CPO...
Mary Dykstra, CPO®*, has been helping corporate, residential and entrepreneurial clients get organized since 1984 – and she can help you too! After earning her MBA, Mary worked as a marketing consultant and project manager for a number of years, making her particularly attuned to organizing and time management challenges. She continues to take a multi-disciplinary approach to ongoing research and development in a variety of areas that directly impact her clients. Mary’s training, education and two decades of experience have put her at the top of her game.
When Mary is not actively speaking, teaching or working one-on-one with her clients, she enjoys non-fiction reading, sailing, landscaping, traveling throughout the world and experiencing new foods and cultures. She has a keen sense of humor and enjoys engaging with people.
Website: http://www.withinreach.biz
* Certified Professional Organizer – one of fewer than 500 in the country.
Location:
Erhardt Training Room
6060 E Fulton
Ada, MI 49301
Consumers Energy System Control Tour
Meeting Information
SWE members and friends are invited to join us for a Consumers Energy System Control Tour! You will get a tour of the facility that houses the real-time operations group of Consumers Energy’s transmission system from Kalamazoo to Mackinac. We will also discuss the retail energy market and Consumers Energy Women Engineering Network (WEN).
Afterwards, anyone who wants to will head to Slow's BBQ for dinner and drinks. We hope you can join us!
Tour will begin at 6PM sharp, please arrive in the lobby by 5:50 as this is a guided tour in a secure facility.
Location:
SWE members and friends are invited to join us for a Consumers Energy System Control Tour! You will get a tour of the facility that houses the real-time operations group of Consumers Energy’s transmission system from Kalamazoo to Mackinac. We will also discuss the retail energy market and Consumers Energy Women Engineering Network (WEN).
Afterwards, anyone who wants to will head to Slow's BBQ for dinner and drinks. We hope you can join us!
Tour will begin at 6PM sharp, please arrive in the lobby by 5:50 as this is a guided tour in a secure facility.
Location:
Tour:
Consumers Energy 4000 Clay Ave SW Wyoming, MI 49548 |
Dinner:
Slow's BBQ 435 Ionia Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
Sister Act @ GR Civic Theater
(Sponsored by Cummins)

Thursday, March 3, 2016
Dinner at 5:15pm, Play at 7:30pm
Dinner at 5:15pm, Play at 7:30pm
Active SWE members are invited for a fun night out at the Grand Rapids Civic Theater! Cummins has graciously sponsored a block of tickets for SWE to see Sister Act The Musical. Before the play, we will meet at Osteria Rossa for dinner at 5:15pm. Due to the limited number of tickets, this is a SWE members-only event. As Cummins has paid for the tickets in advance, please RSVP only if you will be attending, and let Lynn know if something comes up at the last minute and you are no longer able to attend. Hope to see you there!
About Sister Act...
After a successful Broadway tour, the Civic Theatre has been awarded the performance rights to this musical sensation. Original music by Tony and Oscar winning composer, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors) brings this comedic sensation to life. Deloris VanCartier is a wanna-be diva who witnesses a crime. Her only chance of surviving is to go deep into hiding, in one of the most unlikely places The Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith: a convent full of tone-deaf singing nuns.
Location:
About Sister Act...
After a successful Broadway tour, the Civic Theatre has been awarded the performance rights to this musical sensation. Original music by Tony and Oscar winning composer, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors) brings this comedic sensation to life. Deloris VanCartier is a wanna-be diva who witnesses a crime. Her only chance of surviving is to go deep into hiding, in one of the most unlikely places The Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith: a convent full of tone-deaf singing nuns.
Location:
Play:
Grand Rapids Civic Theater 30 N Division Ave Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
Dinner:
Osteria Rossa 16 Monroe Center St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
Griffins Hockey Game Social

Friday, January 29, 2016
Dinner: 5pm @ The Woods
Game: 7pm @ Van Andel Arena
Tickets are first-come-first-serve to active professional or collegiate SWE members.
Dinner: 5pm @ The Woods
Game: 7pm @ Van Andel Arena
Tickets are first-come-first-serve to active professional or collegiate SWE members.
It's that time again for the annual West Michigan SWE Griffins Hockey Game Social! We will be meeting at The Woods at 5pm for dinner and walking over to the arena for the game at 7pm.
Also a big thank you to Bridgeway Power Systems for sponsoring the tickets!
Game Highlights:
- Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Toronto Marlies
- '80s Night! Feel free to come dressed in your best retro '80s gear to celebrate!
- $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs
Location:
Also a big thank you to Bridgeway Power Systems for sponsoring the tickets!
Game Highlights:
- Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Toronto Marlies
- '80s Night! Feel free to come dressed in your best retro '80s gear to celebrate!
- $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs
Location:
Dinner:
The Woods 77 Grandville Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
Game:
Van Andel Arena 130 W Fulton St Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
Webinar: Keys to Career Success for Introverts
Thursday, November 12, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm Networking at 6:30, followed by the webinar and dinner at 7:00 Cost for dinner (Olive Garden) is $15 for professionals and FREE for students. Flyer for posting (pdf) |
Join Us for a Webinar and Networking Event!
The Western Michigan Professional Section and GVSU Student Section of the Society of Women Engineers are joining forces to present an informal opportunity for collegians to network with professionals and to watch a webinar with tips for introverts! Dinner from Olive Garden will be provided for collegians and $15 for professionals. Networking will begin at 6:30, followed by dinner and the webinar at 7:00.
About the Webinar...
The majority of women in engineering, science and technology are introverts in personality style. Introverts are often perceived as more subdued in the work environment, more hesitant to initiate and less willing to speak up in professional situations. This behavior can influence their perception by both men and women in the work environment, and impact their job responsibilities, salary and career progression. The Webinar will delve into the mindset of the introvert and share valuable tools.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Miriam Reiss helps professional women in engineering, science and technology optimize their careers for greater satisfaction on all levels. Co-author, "Branding & Marketing Mastery," Miriam is a former Director of Marketing and outplacement consultant, whose coaching clients have ranged from biotech professionals to women in engineering at companies including Boeing. Miriam has presented at SWE Seattle and Women in Technology International (WITI). She is Past President, Washington State Chapter, International Coach Federation (ICF), and is a Master Certified Coach, the ICF's most senior ranking. Miriam holds a doctorate from Peace Theological Seminary.
Location:
GVSU Kennedy Hall of Engineering, Room 124
301 W Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
The Western Michigan Professional Section and GVSU Student Section of the Society of Women Engineers are joining forces to present an informal opportunity for collegians to network with professionals and to watch a webinar with tips for introverts! Dinner from Olive Garden will be provided for collegians and $15 for professionals. Networking will begin at 6:30, followed by dinner and the webinar at 7:00.
About the Webinar...
The majority of women in engineering, science and technology are introverts in personality style. Introverts are often perceived as more subdued in the work environment, more hesitant to initiate and less willing to speak up in professional situations. This behavior can influence their perception by both men and women in the work environment, and impact their job responsibilities, salary and career progression. The Webinar will delve into the mindset of the introvert and share valuable tools.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Miriam Reiss helps professional women in engineering, science and technology optimize their careers for greater satisfaction on all levels. Co-author, "Branding & Marketing Mastery," Miriam is a former Director of Marketing and outplacement consultant, whose coaching clients have ranged from biotech professionals to women in engineering at companies including Boeing. Miriam has presented at SWE Seattle and Women in Technology International (WITI). She is Past President, Washington State Chapter, International Coach Federation (ICF), and is a Master Certified Coach, the ICF's most senior ranking. Miriam holds a doctorate from Peace Theological Seminary.
Location:
GVSU Kennedy Hall of Engineering, Room 124
301 W Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Founders Brewing Company Tour
Thursday, October 15, 2015
5:00 - 7:00 pm Closed toe shoes are required. Attendees must be 21+. Cost of the tour is $10/person. We will meet for appetizers and beer after the tour (not provided). Flyer for posting (pdf) |
Learn About Brewing from Behind the Scenes!
Come join us for a fun evening learning about beer! We will have a private tour of the brewery and enjoy some appetizers and beer after. Cost is $10 for the tour, plus the cost of any appetizers or beer. Please RSVP by Monday, October 12th so we have a head count for the tour. Feel free to bring a friend, spouse, or significant other, and we hope to see you there!
Note: Due to restrictions on the tour, you must be 21 to attend this event.
Information About the Tour...
One of our education ambassadors will guide you through both of our brewhouses—our original 30 barrel system and our 2011 addition, two Steinecker Combicube B brewhouses; our cellar, with fermenters and bright tanks of various shapes and sizes; our on-site warehouse; and our packaging hall, which includes a KHS kegging line and a Krones bottling and canning line. All of this equipment helps us produce enough beer to be the 17th largest craft brewery by sales volume in 2014—and we continue to grow. Our education ambassador will explain what is unique about our process and will answer any questions that you may have along the way. Come armed with questions!
Location:
Founders Brewing Company
235 Grandville Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Meet in the education room, the door to enter is located on the side off Williams.
The Melting Pot Happy Hour Social
Join Us For a Fun Social and Networking Event!
Join the Western Michigan Section of the Society of Women Engineers as we kick off FY2016 at The Melting Pot with a Happy Hour social. Network with your peers and mentors, meet some new faces, and enjoy some cheese and chocolate fondue on us! Please RSVP by Monday, September 14th so we can reserve tables as needed. We hope to see you there!
Note: Additional food and beverages will not be provided.
From The Melting Pot...
Check out our Happy Hour Specials! “Melt” away your day with select $5 cocktails, $4 glasses of wine and $3 beers... and stay for half off of our delicious cheese and chocolate fondue. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to get dipsy at The Melting Pot! Happy Hour is offered Monday-Thursday from 4-7pm and all day Friday in the Fondue Lounge and Patio. Please drink responsibly.
Location:
The Melting Pot
2090 Celebration Drive NE
Grand Rapids, MI

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