Kimberley Telemacque delivers a speech encouraging women to pursue their passions and join organizations like Society of Women Engineers, June 2023. (Photo courtesy of Kimberley Telemacque)
Kimberley Telemacque is an MSU alumnus and Global Ambassador for the Society of Women Engineers. Since graduating, Telemacque’s career has made her a world traveler, moving from Texas to Florida, Florida to Indiana and finally from Indiana to the United Kingdom.
Telemacque graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from MSU in 2020. In her freshman year, she learned about SWE and quickly joined. She began working for Cummins Inc., where her manager encouraged her to take a leadership role in SWE.
“All the females on the team, she ensured that we were part of SWE, and encouraged us to all of the virtual conferences because you learn so much, that you have so many opportunities out there. You get to advocate; you get to support women instead, women in places like you,” Telemacque said.
Telemacque said she wants women to know that the engineering field is a safe space and they should not be intimidated. She said that she is frequently the only woman in the room or the Zoom meeting, but she’s used to it now.
“It’s almost like a norm now. That the same qualifications a man can have in the engineering field, a woman can have the exact same qualifications as well. Same skills, same thing we can bring to the team, so I feel very comfortable in the position that I’m at in engineering… As a woman, you don’t see a lot of other women in those spaces, but you know they’re out there,” Telemacque said.
SWE is based in the United States but has global ambassadors like Telemacque in several countries, including India, China and Germany. Global ambassadors work with women across the world to inspire and aid them in joining the engineering field. Ambassadors help develop their mentees’ passions and skills so they can find a career they enjoy.
Kimberley Telemacque, far right, an MSU graduate, advocates for all students to engage in clubs and organizations, as they can open up numerous opportunities, June 2023. (Photo courtesy of Kimberley Telemacque)
Telemacque participated in a panel with other global ambassadors and advised newer members about what a mentor can do to help them. She spoke about how women must speak up and make their presence known if they feel unheard, and how a mentor can help.
She said she is concerned that many college students never join an organization or club, closing off opportunities for the rest of their lives.
“I would advise our MSU students to not just join any club, but to have a purpose. Know what an organization supports. Know if your abilities and your values align with that,” Telemacque said.
Telemacque said she believes students should join organizations and rise to bring those behind them along.
“For me, I feel like it is my purpose to let other students know like, ‘Hey, don’t take these things for granted,’” Telemacque said.
Kimberly Telemacque continues to advocate for students to get involved on campus even after graduating, Feb. 3. (Photo courtesy of Kimberley Telemacque)
Telemacque’s involvement in SWE sent her worldwide to conferences, panels and jobs she would not otherwise have considered. MSU has various clubs and organizations for all majors and interests.
According to Telemacque, it never hurts to consider joining an organization, as it could open up opportunities students may have never had before.
“You can be the change that you want to see in the world. Make it start with you,” Telemacque said.
Students interested in joining an organization can visit the student involvement section of the MSU website, and students interested specifically in the Society of Women Engineers can contact the organization at swe.msutexas.edu.
