The Design Darlings SOLIDWORKS User Group

Connect · Empower · Elevate · Persist

Welcome to The Design Darlings, a SOLIDWORKS User Group created to empower and elevate individuals who identify with femininity in the traditionally male-dominated fields of engineering, manufacturing, and product design.

We are founded on the belief that to truly innovate, we must change our approach. As Albert Einstein said:

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."

Our group is the catalyst for that new thinking. Founded and led by a team of women with varied lived experiences (including neurodivergent and neurotypical perspectives), we are built on a shared commitment to inclusion, equity, and authentic representation. This diversity informs our mission to create spaces where all voices are valued and heard.

Our Focus:

• Confidence-building through inclusive dialogue and peer support

• Mentorship and networking across all career stages

• Leadership development to expand and enrich the broader SOLIDWORKS community

Our Philosophy

We deeply respect the incredible value offered by existing user groups. The Design Darlings complements this ecosystem by addressing a specific gap: the need for a space where underrepresented professionals can thrive without hesitation.

This isn’t about exclusion. It’s about expansion.

By fostering a supportive environment for those who may feel overlooked or outnumbered, we strengthen the entire user group network. When diverse perspectives are empowered, the whole community benefits from richer collaboration, broader innovation, and more equitable growth.

Join us as we connect, empower, elevate, and persist together.