Here’s a striking statistic: women are 23% more likely to drop out of STEM fields in college. This is despite the fact that they inherently embody strengths such as empathy and collaboration, which are vitally needed by corporations in tech industries.
Globally, women represent only 33% of researchers, 22% of professionals working in artificial intelligence, and 28% of engineering graduates. Women constitute almost 50% of the labor market… but represent only 28% of engineers? What’s going on?
Part of the problem is that women are less likely to be promoted and are less present in corporate leadership and technical roles in STEM industries. The real issue, however, is clear. We should not be waiting until college to inspire young girls and begin to train them on the values of STEM. Rather, the time to do this is during elementary and middle school.
Building Forward, On a Mission
I want to ensure that bright young women enter a college classroom with confidence, surrounded by other girls. We also need to turn around the statistics that suggest women are far less likely than men to declare a STEM major once in college.
I believe the solution is mentorship.
As role models, successful women in STEM are finding value in interacting with young girls in elementary and middle school. Mentorship can help to inspire an interest in math, science and computer technology in tomorrow’s innovative female leaders before they even reach high school.
As a role model and mentor to young women entrepreneurs and those that have an eye on science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM), I created the LIFT: Elevating Women in Fintech initiative. I’ve designed my mentorship programs to be building blocks to increase the numbers of girls majoring in science and technology and ensure that they remain in the programs until graduation with the degrees that reflect their aspirations. All of this is based on my own experience.
Leveraging the Future
We have been blessed to have accomplished female leaders join our ranks at Chargebacks911, some of whom have been making significant impacts in a multitude of industries for years.
For example, we recently brought on Pel Faquiryan as our Chief Growth Officer. She has an incredible track record of success at companies specializing in STEM, including as vice president at U.S. Bank, Ingenico and FiServ. It’s women like these that are truly showing what passion and determination can bring to any company that is willing to give them the opportunity.
In honor of Women’s History Month in March and dates throughout the year recognizing women and girls in STEM, I urge employers and educators to work together to establish programs that will nurture women’s interest and confidence in the industry. My female colleagues and I spend as much time as we can with young women in our own fields of expertise, and we strongly encourage women working in other STEM fields to do the same.
The girls need us, and the future needs them.
