STCC alumna and STCC staff member earn national honors for advancing women in engineering

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A Springfield Technical Community College alumna and a college staff member have been recognized by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) for their contributions to engineering and their commitment to helping students succeed.

Maeliz Colón ‘19, a STCC graduate who works as a project manager at Robert W. Hall Consulting Engineers Inc. in Agawam, received SWE’s Outstanding Counselor Award. Jason S. Phillips, an academic and transfer counselor at STCC, received the organization’s Emerging Ally Award.

The two are among the recipients of SWE’s 2026 annual awards, which recognize achievement, leadership, mentorship, and service across engineering, engineering technology, and related sciences.

The 2026 honorees were recognized at WE26, SWE’s annual conference and career fair, held Nov. 5-7 in Boston. The event brought together more than 15,000 engineering and technology professionals and students from around the world.

Colón and Phillips’ recognition highlights the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and personal connections in helping students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh ‘98, Professor of Engineering and Physical Sciences at STCC and founder and faculty advisor of the SWE Affiliate at STCC, nominated Colón and Phillips.

“Community college women often enter engineering through nontraditional paths, and they need people who believe in them,” McGinnis-Cavanaugh said. “As an advisor, Jason gives our women students the plans and connections to succeed, and Maeliz, a STCC alumna and engineer, mentors them with the wisdom of someone who has walked that path. Both are true partners to our faculty, and together they’re changing who becomes an engineer.”

Maeliz Colón: Outstanding Counselor Award

For Colón, the Outstanding Counselor Award recognizes a commitment to helping students follow the same path she took from community college to a career in engineering.

Colón earned an associate degree in Engineering and Science Transfer before transferring to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Her own experience as a community college student helped shape her commitment to supporting others pursuing engineering careers, particularly women and students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Both are true partners to our faculty, and together they’re changing who becomes an engineer Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh, Professor of Engineering and Physical Sciences

SWE’s Outstanding Counselor Award recognizes a member who has made outstanding contributions to a collegiate section or affiliate by counseling its members and connecting the student organization with the broader SWE community.

“The outstanding counselor award showcases more than an ability to give advice to students. The role of counselor has allowed me to help students recognize their potential, navigate challenges, and connect with opportunities that help them move closer to their goals,” Colón said. “It means a lot to me to be identified as an outstanding counselor. I am grateful for it, and I hope to continue supporting students to navigate their undergraduate studies with greater confidence.”

In March, she was named one of 11 recipients of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 Fearless Women Award.

Jason Phillips: Emerging Ally Award

Phillips’ work at STCC is informed by his own experience overcoming obstacles on the path to higher education.

As a high school student, Phillips said he faced discouragement from people who doubted his ability to succeed in college. He persisted, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Westfield State University. Currently, he is finishing a Doctor of Education degree from Northeastern University.

Today, he uses that experience to help students recognize their potential and navigate the challenges of college.

Phillips works as an academic and transfer counselor at STCC in the college's Academic Advising and Transfer Center. His work includes helping students develop strategies for academic success, explore transfer opportunities, and connect with resources that support their goals.

In 2024, Phillips received the Western Massachusetts Counselors Association’s (WMCA) and Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA) Rising Star Award for his dedication to students.

Phillips has emphasized that his motivation comes from helping students rather than receiving recognition.

"Being an ally to women in STEM means more than helping students navigate their academic journey. It means making sure they know they belong, that their goals are achievable, and that they have someone in their corner who believes in them,” Phillips said. “I want every student to recognize their potential, feel confident pursuing opportunities in engineering and STEM, and know that they do not have to navigate the journey alone."

SWE’s Emerging Ally Award recognizes men with less than 10 years of experience who have contributed to advancing the acceptance and success of women in engineering and related fields. The award highlights efforts such as mentorship, professional development, and creating supportive environments for women pursuing technical careers.

SWE’s annual awards program recognizes individuals at different stages of their careers for achievements in engineering, leadership, education, mentorship and service.

The program includes APEX Awards, which recognize professionals with 20 or more years of experience, and ASCENT Awards, which recognize other significant achievements across the engineering community. Colón and Phillips are recipients of ASCENT Awards.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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