STEM Is Changing Our World
STEM is at the heart of everything you see around you today. Data is the new oil, and technology is influencing and driving an evolution within every industry—retail, media, telecom, biotech, security, oil & gas, education, etc. All of these industries are fundamentally becoming tech-enabled businesses. Being part of a cutting-edge technology company, where we are achieving tomorrow’s innovations today, is exhilarating. I wouldn’t choose to be anywhere else.
Moving Women Forward in STEM
Corporations, large and small, need to pursue internal programs that help identify and recognize top female talent. It is not a matter of promoting anyone in a minority position for the sake of balance, but rather recognizing strong talent that needs more help to be seen. We need to achieve a critical mass of women in leadership that can create a snowball effect, with women leaning in and supporting other women who want to build successful careers or take an entrepreneurial path.
As a society, we need to find more creative and positive ways to establish social commitment and acceptance of women who take on key roles in technology and science fields, while recognizing and supporting the sacrifices that often accompany such pursuits.
Women in STEM 5 Years down the Road
I think at least 25 percent of leadership positions, entrepreneurship, and world-changing roles will be led by women in the next five years. I say this as I see a stronger movement, growing awareness, and greater acceptance women leaders in every industry and region. Women are willing and able to take on any and every role that traditionally was male dominated. Technology will be at the heart of global growth over the next 50 years, and women will be playing a much more dominant role in leadership.