Why Women In STEM Are the Role Models We Need

By Nicole Small

Role models give us a sense of direction. When it comes to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), women role models in these fields help kids imagine what is possible. The stories, images, and voices of these professionals can expand the inner worlds and actions of the next generation. We understand the power that representation in STEM has. This is why IF/THEN? is dedicated to amplifying women in STEM and we have done so through a TV series, a collection, an exhibit, and more.

At IF/THEN?, we have a simple approach: IF she can see it, THEN she can be it. An example of this core message is the stories of 125 inspiring scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians whose unique journeys were integral to the founding of Lyda Hill Philanthropies’?IF/THEN? Initiative . This initiative was created to simultaneously empower women in STEM and inspire future innovators. These American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) IF/THEN? Ambassadors have shared their?professional experiences , their culture, their hobbies, and their passion for STEM to ignite a spark in young girls.

As a society, we are facing some of the world’s greatest STEM-related challenges and yet we are tapping only half of the potential workforce. We stand to miss the invaluable perspective of nearly one-quarter of the population! Everything from?crash test dummies ?to VR has been impacted by a lack of diverse perspectives. Statistics speak volumes about the urgency with which we must increase diversity and representation in the STEM workforce.?

Only 29% of STEM workers are women. That number is even lower when you consider Asian (5.3%), Latinx women (4.3%), Black women (2.9%) and American Indian women (0.1%). While these numbers are compelling, it is the personal stories, shared experiences and strong voices of the women the numbers represent that are moving the needle and inspiring young girls to consider STEM careers. IF/THEN? has been sharing their stories on television, social media, in classrooms and in outdoor spaces for the past four years.

Mission Unstoppable, a Saturday morning live action series co-produced by IF/THEN? features women STEM innovators in the field and in their labs. Midway through its fourth season it continues to?capture the interest of over 1 million viewers each week and has been nominated for countless awards including two Emmy’s.? The reach of complementary handles @cbsunstoppable and @ifthenshecan across relevant social media platforms allows followers of all generations to consume content ‘where they are’, on their personal devices.

The?IF/THEN? Collection ?is the largest freely accessible library of photos and videos of contemporary women in STEM. IF/THEN Content has reached over 350 million people with over 10 billion media impressions.

Educators weave the stories of AAAS IF/THEN? Ambassadors into classroom curricula using The Collection’s ‘This is What a Scientist Looks Like ’ posters. These easily downloadable and printable images of a diverse cadre of women STEM professionals are increasing exposure and improving portrayals of women on classroom and museum walls across the country.

#IfThenSheCan ?– The Exhibit , made up of 121 life size statues of real, living women STEM professionals, debuted on a national stage a year ago this month when the Smithsonian Institution hosted them in honor of Women's History Month. The women the statues represent have contributed to the exploration of space, the deep ocean, and the fight to protect the most vulnerable places on earth.

They have discovered viruses, nanoparticles, and never-before-seen marine species. Aquanauts and marine biologists. Mechanical engineers. Architects. Conservationists. Particle Physicists. Astrophysicists. Teachers. Doctors. Straight women. Gay women. Nonbinary people. Black. Latinx. White. Asian. Pacific Islander. Muslim. Christian. Jewish. Agnostic. Mothers. Wives. Partners. Sisters.? Each statue celebrates the accomplishments of an individual. Far more important than that, however, is the collective resolve of the women they represent to empower the passion and dreams of young girls everywhere.

The world needs the inspiration of these women. Our daughters need their inspiration. From screens to walls to statues, what the next generation consumes in our increasingly visual world matters. When a girl sees a woman successfully pursuing a relevant and relatable STEM career (and having fun!) she is more likely to imagine a STEM career for herself. IF she can see it, THEN she can be it. And?IF we support a woman or a girl in science, THEN she can change the world!