Women of Color in STEM
For women of color in STEM it is sometimes very lonely and isolated. We often go under appreciated. and overlooked. Not to mention the fact, we are underpaid when compared to our white male cohorts.Being a women of color in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) can be difficult.
It’s important to remember, that while we may feel alone working to push those boundaries of diversity in STEM, we do not stand alone. an inclusive profession, there are those who you are standing with you. They aren’t family. They aren’t friends.
They aren’t classmates. They are women of color who have left science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) because of their struggles. They are other women of color who admire us for forging ahead in careers where there are so few of us. Then there are the little girls of color who dream of being us.
1. Women of color who have left science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). They stand with us because they truly understand the barriers we face and encounter daily.
While they are no longer in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) they haven’t forgotten about you. They don’t think less of you as you don’t think less of them. Instead they are supporting you in prayer and encouraging words.
2. Women of color who admire us. They stand with us for 3 main reasons. They don’t know anyone personally in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). They do know science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs require good math, science and analytical skills.
women of color in STEM matters
3. Little girls of color. Little girls of color are pure magic untapped. They are standing with us. They dream one day they will stand on your shoulders. They dream of continuing research in a cure for AIDS. They dream of writing code to fly next space station.
They dream of designing generation of infrastructure around the world. They dream of using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to change the world. You’ve inspired them. You’ve sparked an interest to pursue a math degree. You’ve sparked their interest in solar science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Despite the struggles we encounter daily in our fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, it is important to remember that we are NOT alone. One thing to know for certain, is that while we may not know, see or talk to other women who we share occupations with, we are not in this battle alone. In our chosen STEM career fields we should not think of each other as strangers. We are bonded by our shared passion for STEM.
It is worth mentioning that the appearance of our comrades being strangers is a mere mirage. Because of our chosen career alone, makes us all related or at least relatable to each other. We are our own clique we speak our own language, we don’t communicate like other groups we move in silent yet powerful strides. Those traits alone whether we stay or leave our chosen STEM career, makes us family and a force to be reckoned with in our battle for diversity and inclusion.
—
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michele Heywerd is a professional engineer by profession and she’s the lead founder of the STEM movement. She coaches young and adult professionals who want to gain successful careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
You can follow Michele on her various social media accounts below:
- www.Facebook.com/
PositiveHireCo - www.FB.com/MicheleCHeyward
- www.Twitter.com/PositiveHireCo
- www.Twitter.com/
MicheleCHeyward - www.Twitter.com/WOCinSTEMChat
- www.Instagram.com/
PositiveHireCo - www.Instagram.com/
MicheleCHeyward - www.Instagram.com/
WOCinSTEMChat - https://www.linkedin.com/in/
MicheleCheyward - https://www.linkedin.com/
company/positivehire/ - www.medium.com/@
MicheleCHeyward - https://medium.com/@
wocinstemchat - https://medium.com/@
positivehireco
Facebook groups:
- STEM Women Professionals https://www.facebook.com/
groups/STEMWomenProfessionals/ - PositiveHire Community https://www.
facebook.com/groups/ PositiveHireCommunity/