From the WomenTech Educator e-Newsletter: Did you know February 22-28, 2015 is Engineers Week? Founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, this week presents an excellent opportunity for fostering an interest in STEM in your classrooms and programs among female students.
In fact, today is “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.” Since only 14% of American engineers are women, it’s important to shine a light on the engineering pathway and provide female role models for women and girls so that they imagine themselves in STEM careers and know they too can succeed. In a popular LinkedIn post this week, engineer Aixa Lopez writes about the challenges and joys that being an engineer has brought her, and provides a strong example for women interested in the field.
“Keep pushing and do what you love. Do not let others define your career. If you want to leave your job because you are not good at it, then do it. However, if you are good at it, do not let others discourage you. Get up and show the world what you can do!”
You can help increase the number of women in STEM by developing female role models from your own professional networks and broader community. Ensure you ask your female role models what prospective female students want to know by downloading “Female Role Models: The IWITTS Interview Guide.”