Of CAPE and good hope…

And I Uber’ed to the White House! In December last year, I had the distinct privilege to visit the hallowed hallways to attend a STEMM Equity Summit hosted by Dr. Alondra Nelson, Deputy Director for the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The Uber dropped me off at the Eisenhower building on the White House complex, where we got our visitor badges, and were directed to the meeting room. I could barely contain my excitement, and being at the event was exhilarating – to be surrounded by people who want to turn the corner on this issue. At the summit, White House launched the STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA), a national effort by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) with support from Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) to bring together committed stakeholders from across sectors who will work together to promote equity and excellence in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine. I felt inspired, on a personal and professional front, and proud of 3M’s participation in the consortium, and my representation at the summit.

To be there for this once in a lifetime opportunity was especially meaningful since I had arrived straight from South Africa, where the topic of equity and social justice was front and center as well - this time at a global scale. I had the privilege of attending the World Science Forum in Cape Town in December – a big event for the country and was opened by the President himself. I attended sessions, media appearance and also participated in a panel co-hosted by AAAS. The discussion titled ?‘Global scientific research as a tool to unlock talent and expand the geographical confines of knowledge creation,’ explored the forum’s theme of ‘Science for Social Justice’ and it was an honor to be among esteemed panelists.

The discussion at WSF, and the decisions at the STEMM Summit, give me hope as we kick off 2023. We know where we want to go, and plans are being sketched for getting there. No short Uber rides – it will be a journey of commitment, persistence and resilience.

Tight corner

While in South Africa, I was compelled to visit the Cape of Good Hope. As a young student I had been quite intrigued when Mrs. Kapoor, our Social Studies teacher, described this place near the Southern tip of Africa, which was really hard to navigate past, for those, and there were many, trying to find a sea route to India. It’s the place that stopped many a ships, until Vasco Da Gama was able to navigate and become the first European to land on Indian soil in 1498. I had visions of rough seas with big waves and sinking sailors from struggling ships. In fact, it was called the Cape of Storms (Tormentas) before the first rounding yielded hope for those looking to charter a sea route to the East.

I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to visit the Cape of Good Hope myself someday. I had tumultuous emotions as I stood there staring at the vastness of the calm seas. The historical significance of this location wasn’t lost on me - a place where you could encounter storms, and turning the corner would engender hope. But does hope for one have to come at the cost of storms for others? In a strange way it was a reminder of the importance of incorporating equity in any vision - it may not just help determine where you go, but how and why you do it and what to do when you do get there.

My corner of the world

At the World Science Forum panel, I was asked to comment on the role of industry in engaging and expanding scientific talent equity given that there have been increasing calls from both outside and inside the business sector on the importance of attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent. Increased diversity has been correlated with increased innovation – so I explained that it makes economic sense and ethical sense, especially as more corporations look to adopt stakeholder capitalism from previously held strictly shareholder view.

Based on my 30-year career in a corporation, as well as my role as Chief Science Advocate, which has allowed me to interact more widely and develop a broader perspective, I talked about 4 ways companies can play a strong role. First and foremost, it is important for companies to authentically embrace UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). These can be a great compass for the long journey as organizations directionally move towards aligning strategies, ESG goals and making changes towards the realization of SDGs. They help bring sustainability, and social justice and diversity, equity, inclusion at the forefront, making them integral to business strategy for the long-term view and short-term action.

It is also important for companies to become vocal advocates for science, and its ability to address sustainability challenges we face as a society. We need to communicate science and its benefits with a very human focus and societal context. This is critical in order to encourage students to pursue science and also engender trust in science. 3M State of Science Index results show that with the pandemic science is actually being seen in a positive light and public agrees science gives them hope. This is a key milestone and a good opportunity for corporations to (re)set the context of science and innovation communication. Social justice also gets tightly linked with science and SDGs when we think about diversity, equity and inclusion in science. Corporations like ours, with a broad geographic footprint, strive for representation to get diverse global viewpoints - it is critical to the problems we chose to solve, the solutions we arrive at and the context we create around the problem and its solution. This can only happen if companies empower all employees to drive innovative thinking and foster a culture of equity and inclusion.

Turn the corner

As we enter the new year there is new energy around addressing the issue of equity in scientific fields by commitment and collaboration across sectors and disciplines, to drive transformative change in access and opportunity for those who have been historically underserved. We all have a role to play so we can contribute to a more just, inclusive, science and technology enterprise that excels. As Mrs. Kapoor taught us, a cape is a landmass that extends into a body of water, and because it signifies a marked change in the coastline it becomes an important landmark for navigation. We know how we can navigate this CAPE… and that gives me hope.

Commit to SDGs with a long-term perspective

Advocate for science with a societal perspective?

Promote representation with a global perspective

Empower innovation with an inclusive perspective

The goal for equity has been elevated as a core national priority for the first time, and it is inspiring and energizing. As laid out by SOA it will require clarity, inclusivity, action and responsibility, by setting the agenda and work plan, expanding the movement, accelerating investments and initiatives and creating accountability. We at 3M, look forward to participating in the work needed to develop a sustainable movement for systemic change.

It gives me hope…good hope… for 2023 and the years to come.

Happy New Year!