In the past few years, I’ve read (and written) so many stories about the need for more women in STEM careers. I’ve heard time and again about how we need a better pipeline of women entering these fields, so that more women can rise into leadership positions. I’ve reported on why women offer a unique perspective in the field and how a new discipline focused on Gendered Innovations is emerging. But one question that has been lingering in my mind is: are these efforts to inspire young girls actually working? And are they enough?
Geena Davis and Lyda Hill headline the IF/THEN Summit in Dallas
This week, I had the opportunity to attend the IF/THEN Summit Evening of Science and Storytelling honoring 125 women STEM Ambassadors, who are the face of a new campaign sponsored by Lyda Hill Philanthropies and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, along with a dozen other Coalition Members including the Ad Council. The mission of the IF/THEN initiative is to “empower current innovators and inspire the next generation of pioneers,” which they do by helping women leaders in the field share their stories more effectively.
To help me write this article, I brought along junior reporter Gabri Blankson (my nine-year-old daughter) to help me assess how effectively these messages were being conveyed. Together, Gabri and I brainstormed some questions for her to ask the Ambassadors. When we arrived at the Gala, which was held at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, the front walkway was decked out with a red carpet, lights, and of course, a galaxy photo booth. While all of this was intriguing to Gabri, she barely had time to notice before she pulled out her tiny reporter’s notebook and launched into her first interview, asking each woman what they were working on, what inspired them, what challenges they had faced, and why they cared about inspiring other girls. Meanwhile, I sat back and watched, curious about how these interactions would play out.
An interview with Geena Davis on why we need more actresses in lead STEM roles on the big screen
One of her first interviews was with actress Geena Davis, who has been active in working with studios to incorporate more female leads in STEM roles on the big screen. Davis explained that, while there are some fun shows emerging that follow this model, very few roles tell the story of real women. This fall, Davis collaborated with IF/THEN and Lyda Hill Philanthropies to produce and launch MISSION UNSTOPPABLE, a new CBS Saturday morning series for teens hosted by Miranda Cosgrove and featuring real female innovators who are on the cutting edge of science. “I want to watch that!” Gabri said, looking at me hopefully, as I nodded.
Gabri went on to speak with aerospace engineer Nicole Sharp, cryptocurrency specialist Ashley Podhradsky, chemist Mercedes Taylor, and more. Two things thoroughly impressed me about these women: first, they could articulately break down complex fields into language that a nine-year old could understand, and second, every single Ambassador came down to Gabri’s level to look her in the eye, which often meant squatting in high heels for five minutes straight or even kicking off their heels altogether. That was commitment.
Designer Beata Mierzwa models a dress she made using images she took of cells splitting apart.
When I asked Gabri which of the Ambassadors left the strongest impression on her, she was quick to flash a big smile and point to Beata Mierzwa, a Postdoc Fellow at the University of California San Diego, with a passion for combining science and fashion. Mierzwa not only sported vibrant blue hair and DNA helix earrings, but she also wore a dress she designed herself featuring cells photographed in her work. “I like that she combined art and creativity with science,” Gabri explained.
Another highlight for Gabri was talking with Debbie Sterling, Founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, who makes STEM toys for girls just like Gabri. As a follower of the GoldieBlox YouTube channel, Gabri was not only familiar with her work—but had a few ideas for future toys she wanted to pass along. Sterling listened carefully and took Gabri’s ideas seriously, which consequently empowered Gabri to rush home and start brainstorming more projects.
A 3D printing of IF/THEN Ambassador Kim Sass
Collectively, the IF/THEN Ambassadors were an impressive force – diverse in every way imaginable but united by the cause of helping young girls consider a career in STEM. Their leadership and visibility is crucial considering that, according to the National Historic American Women Statue Initiative, across twelve major US cities, there are less than half a dozen statues of historic American women that can be seen by the public in either the downtown or main parks of the cities. This week IF/THEN aims to change that: each of the 125 Ambassadors were scanned this week for a life-sized 3D printed statue that will be on display soon.
While inspiring girls to consider careers in STEM is a long-range project, we know that celebrity campaigns like IF/THEN have a long-tail effect with positive results. IF/THEN’s tagline is “If she can see it, then she can be it.” As part of the IF/THEN Summit, each of the Ambassadors received media training and some were given an opportunity to practice their skills by speaking to over 1,100 students from various local schools, such as the Solar Preparatory School for Girls.
As Gabri and I left the Gala that night, I asked Gabri, “So, what did you think?”
“It was awesome!” she replied.
“Do you want to explore a career in STEM?”
“Absolutely!” she answered.
“So how can we inspire more girls to go into STEM careers?” Without missing a beat, Gabri replied, “One girl at a time.”
If that’s the formula, then I think the world is already 1,101 girls closer to changing the world.
