What barriers do you see to closing the gender gap in STEAM?
Allowing for remote work. During the pandemic, many employees were required to work remotely and they were able to balance their work with personal commitments a little easier. With the demand on women becoming greater within their work and personal lives, allowing for that flexibility is going to be key to keeping those high value employees satisfied in their careers.
How is the world changing with respect to STEAM?
I feel the ecosystem of STEAM is generally strained in some industries right now and there is a lot of uncertainty. I sincerely hope this current climate turns around and we get back to valuing STEAM professions.
What can be done to move women forward in STEAM?
I feel my daughter hasn’t been subjected to the same level of “girl” or “boy” interest messaging that many before her were. Continuing that trend will enable young girls to imagine future careers for themselves that they may not have entertained otherwise. Educators and guidance counselors should also ensure these STEAM careers are actively presented to both young women and young men at the same level of enthusiasm.
Where do you see women in STEAM in five years?
More women are entering and graduating universities each year as compared to their male counterparts. I see women being pivotal to the future of STEAM industries and positions as they continue to see their potential opportunities expanding in front of them. Previous generations had to prove they deserved to be here. The young women entering these fields today are doing so with ambition and the highest expectations.
Describe your experiences as a woman in a STEAM career.
I did not gravitate to a career in STEAM when I was going through school and gearing up for my professional life. I can honestly say that I hadn’t entertained the option, as I didn’t feel that was something I was going to be well fitted for, and it wasn’t ever presented to me in a way that seemed like it would be in reach for me. I started out at the most entry level position within Orbital Engineering and found myself forging a path as I continued to learn the industry, the programs, the growth areas and discovered that I gravitated to the data driven decision making and the adaptive nature of the industry. I love organizing data, solving problems and coming up with novel solutions. I also love developing people by empowering them to explore what they gravitate towards and and then helping to propel them towards growth, both personal and within the company.
