Maaha Sakhia

My fellow distinguished engineers, I am honored to address you at our graduation today. As this day approached, I kept thinking, “I can’t wait to be done with the exhausting all-nighters, extensive exams and endless group projects.” Now that graduation day is here, I wonder: “What am I supposed to do in the real world?” Though it may take a while to settle into post-college life and learn how to navigate the new set of opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, we should take this moment to celebrate. Congratulations on your incredible achievement. You have all worked so hard the past few years, and today you are graduates of one of the most prestigious engineering programs in the country. You should be proud.

I am graduating with my master’s in electrical engineering, and the past few years have been a roller coaster ride. I’m sure many of you went through the same ups and downs, wondering if you would pass a certain class, learning how to approach different professors and meeting 11:59 p.m. deadlines with seconds to spare. Sometimes classes were easy, but most of the time they were challenging. Today is a testament to how we all have grown from those experiences and taken hold of our education. We would not be where we are today without the support of those around us. On behalf of all of us graduates, thank you to the UT Dallas faculty and staff. The professors and teaching assistants encouraged us to learn with passion, and the advisors and staff reassured us in every step of our degrees. I also want to thank my family and friends for helping me throughout my education.

As engineers, you have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change in this world. Our society is in dire need of your knowledge and expertise to solve some of the most pressing problems we face today. Throughout history, there have been breakthroughs that have changed the world as we know it. One of the most significant modern inventions is the integrated circuit. Invented in the 1950s, the integrated circuit paved the way for computers, smartphones and other digital devices that we rely on every day. It has enabled broad technological advancements in fields as diverse as health care, transportation and entertainment, and it has forever changed the way we interact with the world. We all have the potential to create an invention as impactful as the integrated circuit.

We’ve seen how natural disasters like the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria can devastate communities. As engineers, we can use our skills and knowledge to prepare communities for such events and to minimize the fallout. We also can use our skills and knowledge to help address other pressing social and environmental issues. This includes improving access to clean water and sanitation, designing sustainable and energy-efficient buildings and transportation systems, and developing new medical technologies.

I know firsthand the impact engineers can have. As the engineering director of Noorishment at UTD this year, I had the privilege of leading a group of talented and passionate students who were committed to making a positive difference. Together, we created a space for refugee students to explore and experiment with various engineering disciplines. We mentored students to spark their search for a better life through higher education. We worked to build a community where everyone felt welcome and supported. Through this experience, I learned that engineering is about leadership and teamwork, especially if you want to make a lasting impact.

Today, we graduate. What’s next? The world is at your doorstep. Each one of us has gained the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle complex problems and drive meaningful change. I had the honor of serving as the president of the Society of Women Engineers at UT Dallas from 2021 to 2022. I collaborated with women in all fields of engineering and computer science to foster students’ professional careers and sense of belonging. In helping others, I felt the impact of what I did for my community. I found my place as a woman in engineering, and the Society of Women Engineers will continue to be invaluable to my leadership and teamwork skills. As you embark on the next chapter of life, I encourage you to look for opportunities to make a positive impact in your communities and find your calling. Your skills and knowledge can be a force for good.

As we go forth, let us remember the world needs our skills and knowledge now more than ever. We have the power to make a difference and to create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” So, let’s use our education and expertise to make a positive impact. Congratulations again to the Class of 2023!

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Maaha Sakhia participated in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science’s fast-track program, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering summa cum laude and a master’s degree in electrical engineering with a concentration in computing systems. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she also has gained valuable work experience. She has completed two internships at Texas Instruments, where she worked as a product/test engineer and a failure analysis engineer. She also has served in multiple officer positions with the UT Dallas Society of Women Engineers and volunteered with Comet Hack from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. She also has been a mentor for multiple organizations, including the Ladies in Tech Mentorship Program and the Freshman Mentor Program. Currently, she volunteers with Noorishment UTD to provide refugee students with introductory engineering experience and vital career education.