Women do have a place in typically male-dominated fields such as engineering.

The local chapter of the Society of Women Engineers invited Shelley Wolff, the president of the national organization and ISU alumna, to speak on campus Monday.

“Our general goal is to advocate for and be the authority on women in engineering,” Wolff said of the National Society of Women Engineers.

“We have to change the negative image and create one that people recognize, and that will include women, minorities and those with disabilities as a prominent part of that image.”

During her 22 years in the organization, Wolff said there has not been a great increase in opportunities for women in engineering fields. Wolff said the reputation of engineering jobs needs to be altered to make it more appealing to women.

“We have been trying to sell engineering as challenging, time-consuming, high-status career, but that is not necessarily what women are after,” Wolff said.

The organization is now changing its tactics and telling women about the good they can do for humanity and society.

“[We] will continue to encourage women to partake in this field,” Wolff said. “We want everyone to receive full opportunities and realize that there are careers out there for women in engineering.”

Judy Vance, faculty adviser of the local chapter, said Wolff is a dedicated woman.

“Not only is she extremely successful, but she is an ISU alumna who fully supports the student section here, and we are just really proud,” said Vance, associate professor of mechanical engineering.