by Sophie Leonard
Throughout my time at Acadia University, I realized the importance of having technical skills regardless of your desired career path or what you are studying. The world is digital. Studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs wasn’t something I even considered when I applied for university and I had parents working in the tech industry!
Unfortunately, when I was young, I did not have the confidence to enter these fields of study because of subtle societal cues and gestures that discouraged me along the way. I often internalized the belief that boys were simply better in STEM and that I would be better off taking something more suited for me. These kinds of thoughts are often felt by many girls at a young age. I was not alone.
One of the reasons girls start to think of themselves as less capable than their male peers is because they often don’t see female role models with technical backgrounds. Women are still a minority in many technical and engineering fields. Also, the career opportunities have changed so much, that teachers and guidance councilors or others may not know about studying to be a cybersecurity analyst or data scientist or software engineer. Things are changing fast in this digital world and it’s hard to keep up. With fewer female role models and the mindset that STEM is a male-dominated field, many girls will be daunted by the idea of being one of the few girls in the class. I certainly was.
I want to be a builder of solutions to this societal problem. Solutions don’t need to be costly; it is about creating environments that allow girls to be comfortable and confident to be themselves and to expose them to educational opportunities, careers, work environments, and brilliant female role models who work in STEM, entrepreneurship, and leadership positions.
I am excited to join the UP+GO team and ensure that middle and high school girls have the necessary resources, skills, and connections to confidently explore the wealth of opportunities that lie ahead.
It has never been a better time to be a girl! There are incredible opportunities and high demand for women in leadership positions. We can make a difference. I’m looking forward to being a part of the solution.