Morning motivations: Reflecting on women in STEM

What’s your morning routine? Do you ease into the day with a cup of coffee and some quiet reflection? Or do you hit the ground running, tackling emails before the sun fully rises?

Personally, I fall somewhere in between. Coffee and contemplation offer a welcome pause, but lately, I’ve discovered that some of my best ideas come from waking up with my professional community — particularly here on LinkedIn. Scrolling through your insightful posts, thoughtful discussions, and industry updates often sparks fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to bring into my day. Starting my mornings with a dose of inspiration from others reminds me of the power of connection in shaping success. Whether it’s discovering a new tool or simply being reminded that I’m not alone in navigating the complexities of work, my morning routine fuels both my personal growth and professional output.

It also brings a smile to my face. When it comes to my LinkedIn feed, few things brighten my day like the weekly comic strips shared by All’s Well Health Care Services and AllSTEM Connections. These posts hold a special place in my heart because they’re personal; as I’ve shared before, they are the creative work of my imaginative son, Jack. Through the colorful stories of characters like Harold, he brings a playful wit to our work in staffing. It contributes a refreshing, personal touch to an industry where the human touch is so important — yet can sometimes feel like an afterthought.

LinkedIn is also a platform for tackling the challenges that shape our industry. A recent example is Mind the Gap: A Critical Look at the Gender Gap in STEM, a white paper from AllSTEM Connections, which we released on LinkedIn last month. It’s packed with insights into the root causes of the profession’s well-documented gender imbalances and their widespread impact. One particularly eye-opening statistic stands out: while men and women make up similar shares of the total workforce (52 percent men, 48 percent women), a significantly larger share of men (29 percent) work in STEM compared to women (18 percent). Meanwhile, within the STEM workforce, women make up just over a quarter of all workers.

It’s worth noting that these trends are not consistent across all STEM occupations. For instance, women represent a significantly larger share of biological scientists compared to engineers and architects. Furthermore, there are signs of progress across the board. According to data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), women accounted for 45% of students majoring in STEM fields in 2020, a notable increase from 40% in 2010 and just 34% in 1994. Additionally, the Research Science Institute (RSI), one of the most prestigious summer STEM programs for high school students, reported that in 2022, for the first time, female students outnumbered male students, making up 55% of accepted U.S. students — a significant rise from just 22% in 1984.

As I spent a recent morning reflecting on the growing presence of women in STEM, I felt encouraged by the progress we’ve made. I’m also equally proud of the leadership we’ve demonstrated at both All’s Well Health Care Services and AllSTEM Connections, where — as a woman- and minority-owned business — diversity and inclusion form the foundation of everything we do. Yet, there is still so much progress to be made to achieve the equitable future we envision. Closing the gender gap is about creating environments where everyone, regardless of background, feels empowered to contribute, innovate, and lead. It’s about pushing boundaries and building a future where diversity drives success for individuals and industries alike.

This effort requires intentional action from all of us. As outlined in our recent white paper, one meaningful solution is offering career mentorship and internship opportunities for early-career women. These programs provide essential industry insights, and the confidence needed to thrive in STEM fields. Equally important is the promotion of flexible workplace policies, such as paid leave and remote work options, which enable women to balance their careers with personal responsibilities. And, of course, transparent pay structures that ensure equitable compensation between men and women play a critical role — not only in supporting mobility for women but also in reinforcing an industry-wide commitment to fairness.

All of this over a cup of coffee.

The point is when we start our mornings with purpose — whether through quiet reflection or professional inspiration — we set the tone for meaningful action. The same holds true for addressing the gender gap in STEM. Intentional steps, from mentorship programs to equitable workplace policies, are how we turn aspirations into achievements. Yes, the progress we’ve seen is inspiring. But it’s also a call to do more — together.

So, how do you approach fostering inclusion and equity in your professional life or workplace? Are there strategies or success stories you’ve encountered that could inspire others? In the spirit of motivation, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Who knows? Your insights might just be the spark someone else needs to take action.