West Chester, PA (November 11, 2025)—Imagine being a female interested in science in a country that typically only affords its male population this kind of a career. How do you break through and follow your talent and passion?
Thanks to the TechWomen Program, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, women across the globe are being empowered, connected, and supported to become the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
TechWomen Program received over 6,000 applicants for the 2025 program, ultimately selecting 108 Emerging Leaders from 22 countries across Africa, Central and South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Mentorship is provided in San Francisco and Chicago over 4 weeks and finishes in Washington DC, where they are provided cultural mentorship, professional mentorship, and impact coaches. Emerging Leaders from each country work with impact coaches to pitch a project that will make a difference in their home country and secure seed money to implement it.
For the third consecutive year, Weston Solutions, Inc. (Weston) sponsored and provided professional mentorship to Emerging Leaders under this Program. With Megan Abbott, PE; Leslie Lassi; and retired Westonite Pixie Newman, PE, PG, QEP, dedicating hours of mentorship and training time, our Emerging Leaders had considerable support over their stay in Chicago from September 21 through October 18.
The Weston Professional Mentoring team provided multiple training engagements per day, including a luncheon and dialog with the staff at the Lincolnshire office, which was co-sponsored by the Weston Women’s Network. Mentors also delivered 13 technical mentoring sessions, 6 soft skill trainings, and morning check-ins. Weston’s senior leadership, the Weston Women’s Network and Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Chief Operating Officer Kara Fields also engaged with the Emerging Leaders.
Weston’s assigned Emerging Leaders (Josephine Wanjiku, a mechanical engineer from Kenya, and Jinane Tannous, a physicist from Lebanon), shared an interest in sustainable solutions and energy, with Josephine also furthering her knowledge in water resources and Jinane in physics.
“The TechWomen Program is such a rewarding exchange opportunity with women leaders, striving to bring positive change to their field and their communities,” said Megan Abbott. “While the mentorship goal is to help connect them to people and resources to further their technical and professional growth, it is always an inspiring two-way street. In addition to being incredibly smart and leaders in their fields, the Emerging Leaders Weston was partnered with this year, Josephine and Jinane, have contagious excitement and passion that is so energizing. I am excited to see how they change the world throughout their career!”
The Weston Women’s Network sponsored the TechWomen luncheon in Chicago October 8 to get to know our Emerging Leaders and discuss Weston and what we all do in the industry. Pictured at the top, L-R, front: Gloria Camarena representing the WWN, Pixie Newman retired Westonite; middle: Mentor Leslie Lassi, Emerging Leader Jinane Tannous, Emerging Leader Josephine Wanjiku, Mentor Megan Abbott, Tatiana Zgurean, Andris Slesers; back: Manny Castillo, Katie Frey, Tim Walls.
Weston professional mentoring team for TechWomen Emerging Leaders. L-R: Mentor Leslie Lassi, Emerging Leader Jinane Tannous, Emerging Leader Josephine Wanjiku, Mentor Megan Abbott, Mentor, and retired Westonite Pixie Newman.
Retired Westonite and professional mentor Pixie Newman with Emerging Leader Jinane Tannous (left) and Emerging Leader Josephine Wanjiku (right) at the Chicago closing celebration October 8.
Weston provided live as well as Teams-based mentoring on soft skills and technical skills. Leslie Lassi and Pixie Newman (top L-R) on a video training with Emerging Leaders Josephine Wanjiku and Jinane Tannous (bottom L-R).
About Weston Solutions
Weston Solutions is a U.S.-based, 100% employee-owned environmental and infrastructure services firm committed to safety and delivering client value on every assignment. For over 65 years, we have solved our clients’ most difficult challenges while making a difference in the communities we serve.