ABET proudly participated in the Leadership Conference for STEM Society Professionals (ACCESSE), hosted by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE), from June 23–25 in Philadelphia. As a hub for innovation and leadership development, ACCESSE brought together association professionals from across the STEM landscape to address emerging challenges, develop new strategies and strengthen our collective capacity to lead.
Through two highly attended sessions, ABET contributed thought leadership and expertise on topics critical to the future of STEM societies:
Enhancing Leadership Through Self-Awareness, Influence, and Trusted Relationships
Led by Dr. Amanda Taylor, ABET’s senior director of global communication and marketing, this interactive workshop guided attendees through the Johari Window model, offering tools to enhance executive presence, build trust and expand leadership impact in an era of rapid disruption.
Pathways to Professional Growth: Why Quality Credentialing Matters for Your Members
Moderated by Melanie Diaz, ABET’s senior manager of professional programs, and featuring ABET CFO/COO Jessica Silwick and CLARB CEO Matt Miller, this session explored how associations can design meaningful credentials that reflect workforce demands, ensure quality assurance and unlock new value for members.
ABET was also honored to celebrate a leadership milestone: Jessica Silwick, CPA, MBA, CAE, has been appointed to the CESSE Board of Directors, effective July 25, 2024. As one of only two non-CEO board members, Silwick brings a critical and diverse voice to the future of STEM association leadership.
“CESSE’s mission to empower science and engineering society leaders is tightly aligned with ABET’s commitment to quality, innovation and global impact,” said Dr. Michael Milligan, ABET CEO. “We are proud to contribute to the advancement of this trusted network of leaders who are shaping a better world through STEM.”
CESSE plays a vital role in equipping STEM society executives with the tools, insights and community needed to drive sustainable growth, foster inclusion and elevate the professions we serve. As part of the ACCESSE Program Committee, Dr. Amanda Taylor also helped shape a dynamic agenda that reflects the real-time challenges — and opportunities — facing our field.
ABET’s involvement with CESSE and ACCESSE reaffirms our commitment to strengthening STEM society leadership and amplifying our role as a trusted partner in advancing excellence in education and credentialing worldwide.
For more information about CESSE and membership opportunities, visit cesse.org.