When it comes to the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, women have to work harder to get the recognition one deserves. What used to be a playground for men is now a place for women as well. The old stereotypes women had to deal with went unnoticed and these women have proven to stand out and make a difference in today’s society.
Let these women inspire you (whether you’re a woman, a man or a member of the LGBT community) to pursue a career in STEM and be the best versions of yourselves.
“When I was a kid we’d rent Indiana Jones movies on VHS tapes. It inspired a whole generation of scholars because we saw the excitement, and the passion, and the drama. What’s amazing to me about archaeology is the stories are even better than what you see in a Hollywood movie.”
Dr Sarah Parcak, Space Archaeologist
“If you’re beautiful, you’re led to believe that you can’t also be smart. But you can be fun and fit and social and be really smart. And the smarter you are, the more capable you’ll be to handle whatever challenges come up in life.”
Danica McKellar, Mathematician, writer and actress
“This job is a great scientific adventure. But it’s also a great human adventure. Mankind has made giant steps forward. However, what we know is really very, very little compared to what we still have to know.”
Fabiola Gianotti, Higgs Boson physicist
“Now we’re in an age where technology is mandatory, and we wanted young girls to have this understanding and know how to build an app.”
Peta Clarke, Technical Lead at Black Girls Code
“I have never let gender get in my way. It has taken me over 30 years to get from a garage to the huge campus that we have today. And it’s been a long journey.”
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Founder of drug company Biocon
“Science is not a boy’s game, it’s not a girl’s game. It’s everyone’s game. It’s about where we are and where we’re going. Space travel benefits us here on Earth. And we ain’t stopped yet. There’s more exploration to come.”
Nichelle Nichols, former NASA Ambassador and actress
“People ask me all the time: ‘What is it like to be a woman at Google?’ I’m not a woman at Google, I’m a geek at Google. And being a geek is just great. I’m a geek, I like to code, I even like to use spreadsheets when I cook.”
Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, former engineer at Google
“I used to not like being called a ‘woman architect.’ I’m an architect, not just a woman architect. The guys used to tap me on the head and say ‘you’re OK for a girl.’ But I see an incredible amount of need from other women for reassurance that it can be done, so I don’t mind anymore.”
Zaha Hadid, Architect
“When I was in high school, I was certain that being an astronaut was my goal. It was a very important time — Sally Ride was making her first flight into space and she had a real impact on me. Those ‘firsts’ kind of stick in your head and really become inspirations for you.”
Karen Nyberg, Astronaut
“When I was young I was very interested in science and technology, and my dad brought home the first computer. I played pac man and I was hooked! By learning to create technology, girls learn to speak up.”
Regina Agyare, Founder of software company Soronko Solutions
“I believe every single woman could accomplish what I’ve accomplished.”
Weili Dai, Co-founder of Marvell Tech
“To be able to code gives you the freedom to build anything and that is just so empowering.”
Karlie Kloss, Supermodel and Founder, Kode With Klossy
“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”
Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO
Source: CNN
