Shelley C. Danek, Ph.D. – Women Worth Watching®

Education

JD, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, PhD, Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; BA, International Relations; American University; BS, Chemistry, Stanford University, post doctoral

Company

Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP

Industry

Legal

Headquarters

Chicago, IL

Interests

I’m an avid reader. My father was an oceanographer, and we grew up as beach people, so I enjoy traveling around the world and scuba diving.

My Philosophy

Professionally, I’m driven by doing impactful work and being part of a team where I can see the difference I’m making. I’m not inspired by being a passive observer; I want to be in the room, contributing to the strategy and helping move things forward.

What I'm Reading

I recently finished The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan.

First Job

My first job was data entry for the US Department of Agriculture, recording cow vaccination information. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me early on what I needed to find in a career: meaningful and engaging work. Fortunately, I’ve been at Marshall Gerstein for my entire legal career, where I thrive helping sophisticated innovators secure intellectual property protection for their ideas.

Favorite Charities

One organization I feel deeply connected to is World Central Kitchen. What I appreciate most is their focus: no politics, no agenda – they are simply feeding people in crisis. Whether it’s war zones like Ukraine and Gaza, or natural disasters here in the U.S., they are often among the first on the ground. Their belief that you can’t rebuild your life or think clearly if you’re hungry is powerful. Providing a meal might seem small, but it’s often the most essential form of support in the middle of chaos.

What can be done to increase diversity in STEAM fields?

The good news is that we’re making meaningful progress, but we can still do more. Increasing diversity in STEAM starts with sparking curiosity early and showing students that these fields are open to all kinds of talents and perspectives. When young people see themselves reflected in scientists, engineers, and innovators, imagining their own place in that world becomes easier. The key is continued exposure, encouragement, and access, especially through inclusive education, hands-on learning, and mentorship programs. By celebrating the many ways people can contribute to STEAM, we’re creating a future where more students feel welcome and inspired to lead.

How is the world changing with respect to STEAM?

The world is slowly but steadily opening up more opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in STEAM. There’s growing awareness that innovation thrives on diversity of thought, experience, background, and approach. We’re seeing more women and people of color in leadership roles in scientific and technical organizations, and schools are doing more to encourage students from all backgrounds to explore these fields. It’s not perfect, and there’s still a long way to go, but the culture is shifting. Young professionals today are more aware of the importance of inclusion, and they’re demanding more from institutions and employers. That energy, combined with structural changes in education and hiring, is helping to redefine what STEAM looks like for the next generation.

Describe your experiences as a woman in a STEAM career.

Being a woman in a STEAM career in 2025 means navigating a field that’s evolving and improving, but still requires intention and persistence. The opportunities are greater than ever, and more women are stepping into leadership and innovation roles across science and technology. That’s encouraging. But what’s just as important is our responsibility to encourage those coming up behind us. Representation truly matters. When young women see others who look like them solving complex problems, leading teams, or building the next big thing, it expands their sense of what’s possible. Progress is happening, and by staying visible, mentoring others, and continuing to push for inclusive spaces, we help ensure that this momentum continues for the next generation.

Shelley C. Danek, Ph.D. • Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP

Partner

2025 STEAM Award Winner