Celebrating International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, women from across SCRI who are helping advance therapies for people facing cancer shared why they think it is important for women to work in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Read their unique perspectives below!

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“We have difficult problems to solve in cancer and we need a 360-degree view to arrive at the best solutions. Women bring a unique and collaborative perspective that is vital in the world of science and patient care.”

-????????? Dee Anna Smith , Chief Executive Officer, SCRI

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“It is important for women to work in STEM to ensure any woman is able to pursue any and all career opportunities for which she is interested and passionate. It is also important to bring diverse perspectives to these important fields of work to enhance and accelerate the advancements made in each of these areas.”

-????????? Amanda Bilbrey , RN, Associate Vice President, Research Operations, SCRI

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"As a female gynecologic oncologist and clinical trialist for more than 30 years, I have watched women increasingly become leaders in science and medicine. This is undoubtably part of the reason we have seen more rapid changes and improved outcomes in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Through mentorship of other women, we can ensure that the future of cancer research remains strong."

-????????? Noelle Cloven , MD, Executive Chair & Disease Chair, Gynecologic Cancer Research Committee, SCRI at Texas Oncology

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Dr. Cloven also shared a quote from Lessons in Chemistry "Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what YOU will change. And then get started." - Bonnie Garmus

“Why should we NOT? Respect, dignity, self-esteem, courage, resilience… Never again these values will be taken away!”

-????????? Elisa Fontana, MD, PhD, Director, Drug Development; Executive Committee Member, Gastrointestinal Research Committee, SCRI UK

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“To make advances in science, we are going to need everyone’s help. Not just boys, not just girls…all the great ideas and talented people we can get.? That is why we will take nothing less than equality in education, opportunities, and employment.”

-????????? Erika Hamilton, MD , MD, Director, Brest Cancer Research; Executive Chair, Breast Cancer Research Committee, SCRI

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“Women bring diversity, creativity, and collaborative mindsets to STEM careers.”

-????????? Melissa Johnson , MD, Director, Lung Cancer Research; Executive Chair, Lung Cancer Research Committee, SCRI

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“Diverse perspectives lead to innovation – women are an important part of that!”

-????????? Caressa Lietman , PhD, Associate Director, Therapeutic Development, Lung Cancer Research Committee & Melanoma Research Committee, SCRI

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“Having women in STEM is important for inclusivity, representation, and outcomes.”

-????????? Mabel Mardones , MD, Executive Committee Member, Breast Cancer Research Committee, SCRI at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers

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“Because representation matters!”

-????????? Meredith McKean , MD, MPH, Director, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research; Executive Chair, Melanoma Research Committee & BRIDGE Research Committee, SCRI

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“Wherever women are involved, I think they should be leaders. STEM is the future, and it is important for women to be included.”

-????????? Joyce O'Shaughnessy, MD, Disease Chair, Breast Cancer Research Committee, SCRI at Texas Oncology

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“STEM is a key driver for innovation in the fields of technology, medicine and industry. Women have already demonstrated their capabilities and talent in driving and delivering tangible results in these arenas. Including women in STEM provides a perspective and lived experience for specific issues that might be unique to women which may have been neglected in the past. In addition, including women prominently in STEM will continue to provide a model for inclusivity and valuing diversity in thought and opinions.”

-????????? Mythili Shastry, PhD, Associate Director, Therapeutic Development, Breast Cancer Research Committee & Gynecologic Cancer Research Committee, SCRI

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“Finding new ways to attack cancer depends on the fresh thinking and creativity of people who bring a variety of viewpoints and lived experiences. Women across the world bring such a unique lens from their own knowledge and experience that is crucial as we work collaboratively to move the needle against cancer!”

-????????? Ishwaria Subbiah, MD, MS, FASCO , Executive Director, Cancer Care Equity and Professional Wellness, SCRI

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“Diversity of perspectives in any field is important, but specifically in science, where women have traditionally been underrepresented. I think we bring a different viewpoint that is important for driving innovation.? STEM is about finding new solutions for the problems of our society, and I think having women equally represented in this process is vital to continue to make forward progress.”

-????????? Marcy Vallone , Vice President, Development Innovations, SCRI

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“Women in science means power, positive energy, and great cooperation.”

-????????? Anja Williams, MD, Medical Director, Clinical Research, SCRI UK

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“Research remains an attractive challenge that uses all the knowledge that one can embody to foster growth and development. Women in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics challenge the status quo, overcome obstacles, and live a legacy of a commanding life dedicated to making a difference now and in the future that lies ahead.”

-?????????Denise Yardley, MD, Associate Director, Breast Cancer Research; Executive Committee Member, Breast Cancer Research Committee, SCRI

#InternationalWomensDay #WomenInStem #SCRI #ClinicalResearch #InspiringLeadership #OncologyExperts #InspireInclusion