What can be done to increase diversity in STEM fields?
Increasing diversity in STEM must be at the forefront of every organization’s strategic plan. Increased diversity will drive innovation and ensure a representative workforce that can tackle complex challenges and develop unique solutions. At Pepco Holdings, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities that we work with. To do that, we leverage several tactics.
Early Education Initiatives: We work with local schools throughout our service region to introduce STEM concepts early to diverse populations.
Diversity-focused Recruitment: We partner with local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and sponsor local scholarships, teacher training, and curriculum development to help build the next generation of the energy workforce.
Workforce Development Programs: We work with local entities to train residents for careers in the utilities industry and help place them in jobs – ensuring our teams are representative of the communities we serve.
Partnerships and Collaborations: We collaborate with educational institutions, nonprofits, and other companies to offer additional STEM education and training to the communities we serve.
These strategies have helped Pepco Holdings create a more inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of our service regions and they can lead to similar results for organizations across the STEM landscape.
What barriers do you see to closing the gender gap in STEM?
As the COO of Pepco Holdings, addressing the gender gap in STEM is an important goal for me. I see many barriers to closing that gap, but with dedicated work and focus, we can bridge these gaps and welcome more women to careers in STEM.
It is no secret that gender stereotypes and biases are still prevalent in society, which can deter girls and women from considering careers in STEM. I take my role and my platform as a female leader at Pepco Holdings very seriously and aim to serve as a mentor and open doors to career development and advancement for female professionals.
Systemic issues, such as inequitable access to educational resources and workplace cultures that are not inclusive or supportive, create difficult barriers for women to navigate. To combat these issues, organizations need to focus on comprehensive initiatives, including promoting diversity in leadership roles, implementing bias-aware hiring and promotion practices, fostering mentorship programs, and advocating for policy changes to promote gender equality in STEM education and employment.
Dismantling these barriers requires hard work, but once we do, we will create a more equitable and inclusive environment that empowers women to fully participate and strive in STEM.
