Diversity in STEM
When I set out on my post-SMPTE adventure earlier this year, I had a couple of goals. One was to launch Kibo121 and build a consultancy around guiding media tech companies on their path to a sustainable future. Another goal was to devote some time working on increasing the number of girls studying STEM fields. I am thrilled to have made some progress in both areas.
The Kibo121 business is ramping up with many engagements as I position myself as a sustainability leader in media tech. You can see all the places I’ve been this year on my website.
I am also pleased to have done work to help develop diversity in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. More specifically, how to get more girls interested in these areas as they navigate through school and college, and then into the work force. My story is like many others. I graduated with BA degrees in Chemistry and German, and had a plan to go on to graduate school studying biomedical engineering. But first, I wanted to gain some practical work experience as well as to earn my own living, no longer relying on my parents’ financial support. I ended up never going back to graduate school. Instead, I landed in the chemical industry for a few years, then scholarly publishing before moving into association management.
I didn’t stay on the science path directly, but I did work alongside scientists and engineers for my entire career. Often, I was one of few women interacting with these professionals, and realized that one day I’d like to help change that equation.
Earlier this year, my friend Madeleine Noland introduced me to her friend Nilandjana Buju Dasgupta from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Buju is a professor of psychology and launched a program at UMass called the Institute of Diversity Sciences. This cross-college program promotes multidisciplinary STEM research, as well as nurturing students as they enter the STEM workforce. The institute is also very interested in connecting scientific research with social justice.
The Institutes hosts a Leadership Academy for students who are traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. The program includes a summer series where among the exercises professionals speak with the students about their own stories to inspire the students to continue their paths. Rati Thanawala, founder of the Women and Public Policy Program at the Harvard Kennedy School, leads the academy. Rati is a retired computer scientist who now devotes much of her time to giving back in support of women of color in STEM.
When Buju asked if I’d like to participate in the program, I said yes!
On August 3, I moderated a program with three women who represent what it’s like to be a woman engineer working in media tech. I was thrilled to have Liz Pieri from Apple, Sally Hattori from Disney, and Annie Chang from Universal Pictures join me in the discussion. We had a wonderful interactive discussion around each of our stories, our own challenges in the workplace, and what it takes to strive for success in your career. The students were gratified to learn that everyone goes through difficulties in their careers. Nothing is a given, but anything is possible.
I am so grateful to Liz, Sally, and Annie for their openness in talking about their journeys to where they are today working for the leading media companies in Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
The Institute of Diversity Sciences is an amazing program. I want to thank Madeleine for the introduction to Buju that led to meeting Rati. Women helping women is also key to success!
When I think about this program and how it fits into my sustainability work, I realize that it fits perfectly. Because sustainability is not just about environmental concerns. True sustainability is a holistic approach that considers the well-being of people as well as the planet. In many ways, this program fits squarely into the sustainability framework as defined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
