How the World Is Changing with Respect to STEM
Everyone knows STEM now; it’s part of the common lexicon. STEM-focused initiatives have succeeded in integrating STEM into broader aspects of society and driving recognition of its importance to our daily existence. My daughter’s kindergarten class explicitly includes STEM in the curriculum—just a small example of how widespread and embedded STEM concepts have become.
Where I See Women in STEM in Five Years
I believe we will continue to see the effects of emphasizing STEM to the next generation, which means STEM leadership will include more women and more diverse talent. From my own experiences as a woman in a science- and regulatory-focused legal practice, I appreciate the effort to move away from the idea that STEM is a “boy’s club.” The industry has set expectations for diversity and inclusion that will become new benchmarks, so I envision the next five years will show how STEM companies rise to the occasion.
My Own Experiences with STEM
Much of what I’m good at is grounded in the core competencies of reading and writing—I work best when applying these skills to the specialized STEM industries. I am adept at listening and comprehending, then transforming language into its most accessible and persuasive form. The concepts we encounter in STEM can be difficult to articulate, and these key skills enable me to take complex ideas and successfully translate them to targeted external audiences.
In terms of being a woman in STEM, my role as a mother has strengthened my own understanding of technology and science. As I raise my children, I see more and more how concepts I encounter in my work connect with daily life, and how STEM truly touches everything in our society. My work also feels more meaningful, as I interact with the technology my children will use in the future and the emerging ideas that will soon become our reality.