My experience with moving from Europe to the United States in the 1980s demonstrated that there is one engineering profession no matter where you go. Since we all speak the same language, my transition from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, to the University of Louisville, Kentucky, went smoothly. Furthermore, working for three years in Asia exposed me to non-Western cultures and taught me that the global diversity of IEEE is one of its most powerful assets. IEEE offers a common platform to contribute to the profession and to help members advance their careers regardless of their address.

Having said this, I will strive to provide equal opportunity to current and future members from underprivileged or underrepresented groups. This includes women, students and young professionals, and those who hope for professional growth in less advanced economies.