Next up, we have Melinda, my mom’s friend. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and outside of work she enjoys gardening, hiking, and playing the piano.

First, I asked her about her childhood. She said, “My childhood was marked by noticeable gender differences, especially in expectations regarding career choices and domestic responsibilities. Girls were often encouraged to pursue traditionally feminine roles, while boys did more of the “masculine” activities. However, I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to pursue my interests in science and technology, despite societal norms at the time.”

She then went to college at Texas Tech. Upon graduation, she got a job in industrial engineering. She explained, “As a woman in STEM, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges in the workplace. Early in my career, I often faced skepticism and resistance from male colleagues who questioned my abilities and qualifications. For example, one time we working on a project, and the guy I was working with continuously disregarded what I was saying. Yet, when the third guy in the group said something similar to what I said, the first guy listened to him.”

She continued, “Despite these obstacles, I have seen progress in terms of workplace equity, with more efforts being made to promote diversity and inclusion. For example, my company that I work at likes to do events with middle school and high school girls to get them interested in STEM. We do different engineering activities with them, and it is really exciting seeing the girls working together on the projects.”

To go off this, I asked her how she empowers other women in STEM. She explained, “To young girls considering a career in STEM, I would say: don’t be afraid to pursue your passion, even if it means breaking traditional gender norms. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who believe in your abilities, and never underestimate what you’re capable of achieving. As for my own life, I’ve taken charge by leading by example and advocating for change within my industry. Whether it’s speaking up against discrimination or championing diversity initiatives, I’m committed to making a difference for women in STEM.”

I asked her for any final remarks and she said, “My journey as a woman in STEM has been both challenging and rewarding. While progress has been made, there’s still much work to be done to achieve true gender equity in the field. I’m hopeful that by sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can continue to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse STEM community.”