Our very own Woman in STEM leader, Jen K sharing her perspective and passion for women in STEM careers! We are so fortunate to have many Women in STEM contributing to the growth of other Women in STEM! #womenrule#womenintechnology
The FMA's recent #CareerPanel focused on #womeninSTEM where panelists shared their perspective on working in the STEM field as a woman, discussed career pathways and the importance of mentorship with nearly 140 students at Southern High School.
Thank you to our inspiring and informative panel: Logan Thompson, BigBear.ai; Michelle Drzewiecki, RealmOne; Jennifer Kargus, Omega Minds and Kim Stanbro, MasterPeace Solutions. #FortMeade
One week post #SWSXedu and there are still so many things to digest. From anti-DEI efforts impacting students of color, to building the STEM sisterhood, from storytelling as a social justice tool, to battling burnout -- it was amazing to be surrounded by such talent, dedicated and inspiring people.
First of all, so grateful to the amazing team, Adam Dylewski, Stephanie Castillo, and Knatokie Ford who continue to kick butt as we share findings and tips from our NSF work for science communicators looking to diversify their productions and audiences. (And thanks to everyone who attended our panel!)
Some things I'm noodling on, post conference:
- Anti-DEI is "a very old page from a very old book", and connections between now and post-Reconstruction America, from Kimberlé Crenshaw's incredibly powerful keynote.
- Who's on your board of directors?, a question on personal and professional growth from a women in STEM meet up.
- How literacy and democracy are linked, inspired by a panel about the fascinating and groundbreaking life of Phillis Wheatley.
- Once again, the very important role of comedy in science communication, thanks to the hilarious keynote from Sarah Rose Siskind.
- "I've grown the most when I've done harm [...] when I was moving at the pace of white supremacy," an incredibly moving panel on Finding Your Leadership Soul which you can watch here! https://lnkd.in/ejGC9KBV
- Applying the Four Solution Analysis personally & professionally.
- "There's an assault on trans people in education because the classroom is ground zero of humanity and understanding." - Imara Jones during a live taping of The Amendment with Errin Haines.
- "Self love is doing what you need to do to heal and free yourself." - the one and only Yung Pueblo, who I still can't believe I saw IRL!
Thank you, Khadicha Kosimjonova, President and Founder of S.A.F.E. - Sisterhood, Affection, Freedom, and Equity, for the opportunity to discuss my career with your club. Working alongside Selma, the VP, you both lead a commendable effort to empower women in STEM and address crucial societal issues.
The engagement and thoughtful questions from the club were truly inspiring. One query that stood out to me was, "what is a full circle moment for you?" Reflecting on my journey, I shared that being back at Baldwin-Whitehall School District, where I once studied, speaking to students about their future possibilities, feels like a significant full circle moment.
In the 90s, during my high school days, career guidance was limited, pushing me towards a few conventional choices. Despite STEM not being a term back then, my passion for these subjects was evident. I reminisced about impactful learning experiences and the teachers who shaped my path. I shared classes that were meaningful, and classes I took later in college, or how I’ve continued to pursue learning 25 years later. The future is so vast, so we all have a responsibility to live, learn, make mistakes, and figure it out.
If you have a story to tell, or want to learn more about S.A.F.E., check it out here or leave some comments below: https://lnkd.in/er2uTii9#fullcirclemoment#equityineducation#grateful
BISM Spotlight: Juhi Narula
Meet Juhi Narula, the driving force behind BISM's Gold STAR Summer Youth Program!
As the Youth Programs Manager, Juhi plays an integral role in shaping the future of blind and low vision youth by empowering them with essential life skills and career development opportunities. Her dedication to fostering independence and confidence among students has left a lasting
impact, helping them realize their full potential.
Fun fact: Juhi’s passion for education and youth empowerment extends beyond the classroom, and she is always on the lookout for innovative ways to help her students shine. Let's celebrate Juhi for her incredible work and commitment to the next generation of leaders!
#BISMSpotlight#YouthEmpowerment#BlindAwareness#LeadershipInAction#BISM
(Image Description: Photo of Juhi Narula holding a white cane, smiling and wearing a pink floral dress with her hair down. Orange border around Juhi with white label underneath with dark blue text: "Juhi Narula, BISM Youth Programs Manager." Dark blue background with white text: BISM - Empowering the Blind Community - employing, educating, training - Employee Spotlight - "I remember telling my mom that when I'm around other blind individuals, I don't feel anxious. Maybe it's not social anxiety - I just need to learn how to advocate for myself.")
This morning, during a conversation with my best friend, I shared with her that I had a significant presentation scheduled for today. I expressed my feelings of nervousness and uncertainty, as I am currently dealing with several personal challenges. Balancing the responsibilities of being a single mother, serving as the CEO of a national organization, and advocating for a shift in cultural perspectives on women and work has been demanding.
In response to my concerns, my friend advised me to revisit my "why" - the underlying purpose and motivation behind my actions. This advice resonated with me and reminded me of the importance of staying connected to my core values and objectives.
I would like to express my gratitude to SiteNews and Russell Hixson for providing me with the opportunity to share my story and shed light on my motivations and the work we are doing to transform cultural mindsets.
LinkedIn here is my WHY:
👷♀️ Ten years ago, Nour Hachem (She/Her) founded non-profit Build a Dream with the goal of breaking down barriers for women looking to enter trades and other STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) careers.
Today, the Ontario-based organization provides comprehensive mentorship programs, immersive career expos, and hands-on workshops.
Hachem spoke with us about the barriers women face when entering these careers, how companies can retain diverse workers and how male coworkers can be allies.
"Motivating women to pursue careers in trades and STEAM fields requires more than just encouragement—it demands tangible support, hands-on learning opportunities, and targeted mentorship programs."
Check out the full interview below 👇
https://lnkd.in/gumm43fm
📸: Heike Delmore#yellowchaircampaignBuild a Dream
In celebration of #WomenHistoryMonth, we created an inspiring video to showcase how professional women (including several CAE staff members!) use higher-order skills to power their career success. https://lnkd.in/eGSdiuY8
Share this video to empower students and colleagues and spark discussions about the importance of developing important skills like #criticalthinking and #problemsolving.
Some highlights from our second in-person mentorship meeting with Young Women in Business (YWiB) SFU!
💡Imposter syndrome can affect anyone at any point in their career, practice self-talk and build a support network to help you through these waves. You deserve everything you worked for and were hired for a reason, lean on your strengths and develop new skills
💡The academic program you graduate from doesn’t create a pre-determined career journey so embrace a curiosity mindset. Some of the most interesting chapters in my career story have come from wanting to learn more about ways of working, different approaches to problems, or just wanting to hear how someone else forged their path
💡Shift your mindset, instead of taking a linear approach consider the benefits of a ‘squiggly’ career journey. See the TedTalk from Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis if you want to radically rethink your future journey
It was great to be back on campus Simon Fraser University, thank you Asmita, Dani, Amanda, and Meha for the wonderful discussion!
What other advice would you share with folks starting their career journeys?
#highereducation#careerdevelopment#squigglycareer
The underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields is not just a concern; it’s a stark gap that demands immediate attention. Despite comprising over 50% of the population, women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM careers. Here’s a closer look at the disparity,
### The Disparity: A Closer Look
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women. In the tech industry, women’s representation falls to 25%, with a mere 11% in cybersecurity.
This disparity begins early, with girls consistently underrepresented in STEM subjects at secondary and tertiary levels.
For instance, the National Girls Collaborative Project highlights that women earn only 19.9% of bachelor’s degrees in engineering and 18.7% in computer science in the United States.
### Unpacking the Why
The reasons behind this disparity are complex and multifaceted, ranging from societal and cultural norms to lack of role models and gender biases in education and hiring. Stereotypes portraying STEM as ‘male-dominated’ fields deter girls from pursuing these careers.
A study by the American Association of University Women pointed out that environmental and social barriers, including stereotypes, gender bias, and the climate of science and engineering departments in colleges, discourage women’s participation in these areas.
### The Call to Action: Building Bridges
It’s clear: bridging this gap is imperative for fostering innovation, diversity, and economic growth. Here’s how we can contribute:
1. **Encourage Early Exposure**: Introduce STEM concepts to girls from a young age through targeted programs and initiatives that spark interest and curiosity.
2. **Promote Mentorship**: Facilitate mentorship programs pairing girls with women in STEM careers, offering role models who can inspire and guide.
3. **Challenge Stereotypes**: Actively work to dispel the myths and stereotypes about women in STEM through education, media, and policy.
4. **Foster Inclusive Environments**: Encourage educational institutions and workplaces to create inclusive environments that support the growth and development of women in these fields.
5. **Recognize and Reward**: Showcase the accomplishments of women in STEM, providing visibility and recognition that can inspire future generations.
### Action
By understanding the root causes of the disparity and undertaking concerted efforts to address them, we can pave the way for a more equitable, diverse, and innovative future. Let’s takeaction, by I advocating for policy changes, supporting initiatives aimed at girls in STEM, or simply breaking down stereotypes one conversation at a time.
We must close the Dream Gap and ensure that the next generation of STEM leaders is truly representative of our society. #STEMforAll#WomenInSTEM#GenderEquality#InnovationForFuture
Let’s close the Dream Gap
https://lnkd.in/guxanbbG
Exposure to diverse STEM role models is crucial in inspiring underrepresented groups to pursue careers in science and technology.
Research shows that representation matters, as seeing individuals who look like them in these fields can increase interest and motivation.
Couragion provides educators with an interactive platform to introduce students to STEM professionals, helping to bridge the representation gap and create a more inclusive and diverse culture within the field.
Let's enable the next generation of STEM leaders together!
#RepresentationMatters#STEMdiversity#Couragion#STEMeducation.
Last Thursday, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Celebrate Successes workshop as part of the Women in STEM Careers program at the University of Adelaide. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Sharon Ferrier for the insightful session!
One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of overcoming perfectionism. We often hold ourselves back, waiting for the perfect moment or when we are perfectly ready to take action. This workshop made me realise that embracing opportunities as they come, even when things aren't flawless, can lead to remarkable growth.
Stepping out of our comfort zones is also essential for professional development. True learning happens when we challenge ourselves and take risks. Only when we are a little uncomfortable, that's when we know we're growing.
Another key point was the power of self-reflection. Celebrating our achievements, no matter how small, helps build our confidence. This is an important yet sometimes neglected aspect of career growth.
I want to express my thanks and gratitude to the Women in STEM Careers team for putting together this empowering program. It not only helps me develop confidence but also provides me with realistic strategies to navigate my professional journey.
Let's keep celebrating our successes and embracing the opportunities that come our way!
#WomenInSTEMCareers#ProfessionalGrowth#CelebrateSuccesses
