Making it Happen for Women in STEM
Leave a CommentThroughout history, women have played a significant role in propelling science and technology forward. Consider the contributions made by Ada Lovelace who is touted as the mind behind the concept of computer programming, or Hedy Lamarr, the multi-talented actress who contributed to the discovery of Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; women have brought creativity, dedication and balance to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This is why their underrepresentation in these fields is a major cause for concern.
Throughout history, women have played a significant role in propelling science and technology forward. Consider the contributions made by Ada Lovelace who is touted as the mind behind the concept of computer programming, or Hedy Lamarr, the multi-talented actress who contributed to the discovery of Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; women have brought creativity, dedication and balance to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This is why their underrepresentation in these fields is a major cause for concern.
The Current State of Women in STEM:
Recruiters from major tech companies lament the fact that when they scan resumes for a position of responsibility, barely 5% belong to women. Most of these women are well-qualified but present themselves as less competent than they are.
Studies have shown that women tend to rate their skills lower than their male counterparts. They are also less bold in their approach and do not believe in interjecting conversations with thoughts and comments which may actually add value to the brainstorming process.
It is no small wonder that gender diversity is a pressing issue acknowledged by Google, LinkedIn, Twitter and several tech-based conglomerates.
Notable Female Leaders in STEM:
Despite the challenges, many women have stood tall and claimed leadership roles for themselves. Names like Sheryl Sandberg and Arianna Huffington come to mind.
Closer to home, we are proud of the accomplishments of our own Executive Vice President Karen Norheim. Karen has made a name for herself in the male-centric world of overhead electric travelling cranes, hoists and material handling equipment.
She has been profiled by the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce among other organizations for her efforts to promote participation of women in STEM. She regularly speaks about the importance of an inclusive mind-set where the future of tech is concerned, and has single-handedly increased sales and added innovative distribution channels to American Crane’s endeavours. Even at home, she’s always finding fun ways to get her nieces and nephews excited about simple engineering principles – like to how make a marshmallow launcher from everyday household items.
In honor of Women’s History Month, and the recently passed International Women’s Day, American Crane is issuing heartfelt thanks to ladies like Karen who are “making it happen” every day. If you would like to join Karen in bringing gender equality to STEM, find her on Twitter and see how you call follow her example as a promoter of women in STEM.
