STCC alumna honored as a ‘Fearless Woman’

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A Springfield Technical Community College alumna who advocates for women and underrepresented students in engineering is one of 11 recipients of the 2026 Springfield Symphony Orchestra Fearless Women Award.

Honored for advocacy, Maeliz Colón ’19 earned an associate degree in Engineering and Science Transfer and now is a project manager at Robert W. Hall Consulting Engineers Inc. in Agawam. STCC Professor Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh ‘98 nominated Colón who transferred from STCC to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Advocacy has been an important part of Colón’s journey.

“As a community college student, I benefited from mentorship and support while finding my path in engineering, and this recognition reinforces my commitment to continue engaging the next generation of engineers,” said Colón of Holyoke. “This recognition motivates me to continue advocating for access, representation and opportunities for nontraditional students pursuing engineering and other fields. 

The 11 recipients were recognized on stage before the SSO’s performance of “Mendelssohn, Gershwin, & A Woman's Voice” on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. The ceremony coincided with International Women’s Month in March, which recognizes women’s history, achievements and contributions worldwide.

First established in 2022, the awards honor women in five categories: bravery, advocacy, passion, perseverance and authenticity. In nominating Colon, McGinnis-Cavanaugh described her former student as a fearless advocate for women and underrepresented students in engineering.

As a community college student, I benefited from mentorship and support while finding my path in engineering, and this recognition reinforces my commitment to continue engaging the next generation of engineers. Maeliz Colón '19, Engineering and Science Transfer graduate

“In a profession where women – particularly women of color and first-generation students – remain significantly underrepresented, Maeliz uses her voice, lived experience and leadership to expand access, challenge stereotypes and create pathways for the next generation,” McGinnis-Cavanaugh wrote.

Colón’s journey from community college student, to engineering graduate, to practicing engineer “embodies the pathways she now advocates for,” McGinnis-Cavanaugh said.

“Her story resonates deeply with students who may not initially see four-year degrees or engineering careers as attainable, and it allows her to advocate with both credibility and authenticity,” wrote McGinnis-Cavanaugh, who graduated from STCC’s Engineering and Science Transfer program.

Colón serves as counselor to the Society of Women Engineers affiliate at STCC, a peer group for women in engineering and related STEM degree programs.

With SWE, she mentors and supports students navigating nontraditional pathways. Many of these students are Springfield-area residents: first-generation college students, women of color, and individuals balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities.

Additionally, Colón reaches out to local high school students. She shares her own journey from Holyoke Public Schools to her career as a professional engineer.

“Maeliz Colón is a fearless advocate – a Fearless Woman – because her advocacy is rooted in service to her community,” said McGinnis-Cavanaugh.

Miah Dreger, Dean of STEM at STCC, praised Colón for her advocacy.

“Congratulations to Maeliz Colón, who advocates for the values we hold at STCC,” Dreger said. “We are proud of the work she has done to promote equity and inclusion. She continues to support and encourage students through her work with SWE. Thank you to Professor Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh for nominating her former student for this well-deserved award.”

The SSO received a record number of nominations this year. Colón and others being honored, along with their nominators, received two tickets to the March 14 SSO concert. 

“When we started Fearless Women four years ago, we simply hoped people would participate,” Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, said in a statement. “This year, our community submitted more than 80 nominations. That kind of response tells you everything about the extraordinary women shaping this region every day.”

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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