The Executive Council is available to answer any questions you may have about the section and the programs we offer. We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming event!
President – Rosario Maltbia
president@swe-oc.org
Rosario is a Facility Engineer for Shell Trading & Supply Operations. In this role, she focuses on asset and project management to operate a fuels and chemicals distribution terminal safely, reliably and cost effectively to help power lives by providing vital energy for homes, businesses, and transport. During her career she has worked in the energy and oil & gas industries focusing on project management and instrumentation & process control. Rosario earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston.
As a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion, Rosario enjoys working with organizations to develop outreach activities as well as professional/leadership development programs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband & cats in Anaheim, dancing, reading, and traveling.
Internal Vice President – Cynthia Hernandez
VPInternal@swe-oc.org
Cynthia is a Process Development Engineer II, where she supports the new product development of transcatheter heart valve products from early developmental work, clinical trials, process and yield improvement activities, and commercialization. She holds a BS in Biomedical Engineering from UC Irvine, has about 4 years of experience in medical devices, and 2 years of cell research experience.
Aside from technical experience, Cynthia has been involved in SWE leadership for 7 years. She is also involved with a global Medtronic Women’s Network “Influencer” committee that was hand-selected to drive career development opportunities for high potential female employees. She likes knitting, reading, and has over 20 houseplants.
External Vice President – Brittany Galliers
VPExternal@swe-oc.org
Brittany is a Lead Engineering Program Manager at Apple. In this role, she leads a team of 4 Engineering Program Specialists, and together they help enable development teams within Apple. During her career she has worked in various engineering development and project management roles within the Automotive and Tech Industries. Brittany earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, with a minor in Computer Science.
In college, Brittany was very involved in the Michigan State SWE section. This is her first year involved in a professional section. She is very excited to support the processional/leadership development activities and bring other engineering organizations together.
Outside of work and SWE, Brittany has enjoyed exploring different parts of California. She moved to Orange County in 2020 and has loved being able to spend so much time outdoors! She also loves spending time with her service dog Zoubi, a 3-year old Belgian Sheepdog, and her partner Werner.
Treasurer – Natalie White
treasurer@swe-oc.org
Natalie White earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Math from Texas Christian University and had a 15-year career as a software developer before becoming a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Her prior experience in the telecommunications, e-commerce payments, and pharmacy industries help her build trust with the healthcare and life science customers she supports today. She is active in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Amazon Women in Engineering (AWE), and the Girl Scouts of Orange County.
Secretary – Dr. Vinita Palaniveloo
secretary@swe-oc.org
Dr. Vinita Palaniveloo has been a member of the SWE since moving to the USA in 2017. As a mother of two boys, she loves to volunteer in STEM activities at school and scouting. She was the SWE Girls scout Chair from 2017-to 2019. She draws inspiration from people around her, and loves meeting people and making new friends. It is the new friendships that helped her thrive in different cities she has adopted as her home away from home.
She loves to meditate, read books, watch movies, and listen to music. She enjoys doing hands-on engineering work and loves exploring new stuff. Her primary interests include retaining women in engineering positions as they go through the challenge of motherhood and raising a family.
Society for Women Engineers is a pivotal organization challenging the stereotyping of women and breaking barriers to celebrate women in STEM. Hence, she is dedicated to volunteering as Secretary of SWE-OC to further the mission of the organization by maintaining society meeting records and providing oversight to the committee chair as needed.
