Join the conversation on STEM education and help nurture the next generation of visionaries

Tammy Sutton

As an interface analyst and developer I love computer science and math. While Grace Hopper is amazing! My love for space takes over and Christa McAuliffe is a huge inspiration. I can remember being in seventh grade at an elementary school in north Florida watching the Challenger come overhead then tragedy happen. It's sad but the influence she had on girls in my science class was amazing. We all knew then that being an astronaut was possible for little girls. Having someone to look up to like that has inspired me throughout many decisions in my life.

Tammy Sutton

@Salèha El D. I love this quote ''Education is a girl's weapon in the future.'' and what an inspiration Iqbal Al Assaad is! Thank you for the introduction!

MaraRobin

A name you should know; Dr. Roberta Bondar - an excellent role model for North American girls in STEM.

Not only is she Canada's first female astronaut (from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in 1945 to the Shuttle “Discovery” in 1992) but also the first neurologist in space as a payload specialist.

Her expertise in medicine and research on the human body in space, a male-dominated field, made major waves in space medicine. During her 8-day mission, she led experiments in the shuttle's Spacelab module related to the impact of low gravity on the human body.

Also a lifelong learner with a Bachelor of Science in zoology and agriculture from the University of Guelph, a Master of Science in experimental pathology from the University of Western Ontario, a Doctor of Philosophy in neuroscience from the University of Toronto, and a Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University. After her return to Earth, she then led an international research team at NASA, cementing her role as a pioneer in neurology and space medicine.

Dr. Bondar's legacy is not just in her scientific contributions but also in her role as a mentor and role model for young girls. Her journey challenges traditional gender roles and showcases the importance of perseverance, resilience, and a never-ending quest for knowledge. She exemplifies the traits of bravery, curiosity, and courage, encouraging girls to dream big and pursue careers in STEM fields.

Kari G

My love for STEM started in High School, I had awesome teachers that encouraged girls to learn as much Tech and science as they wanted! It was never "well that's more of a guys job", it was always, "what else do you want to learn about?"

If I can't figure something out I start at the bottom, how was it created, it normally leads me to the issue.

Michelle Choate 2

Dr. Mayim Bialik is an incredible inspiration. A woman who had a great acting career but choose to pursue higher education all the way to her doctorate degree.

GPO03

My previous manager!💪👠

JThour

This was a great opportunity for me to do more research into STEM. A notable person is Dr. Gladys Mae West! I would be lost (literally) without her role in developing GPS.

JenniferTorres

I am inspired by Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer. She was the first to realize that Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine was useful for more than pure calculation.

I also am inspired by Grace Murray Hopper, inventor of the COBOL language. She created it in 1959 and it is still in use today.

JenniferTorres

I am inspired by Grace Hopper. She was a pioneer in computer programming and was the first to propose the theory of machine-independent programming languages. invented the COBOL programming language. It was created in 1959 and is still in use today. She had a PhD in mathematics and mathematical physics. She served in the Naval reserves and eventually was called to active duty. She retired as a US Navy rear admiral.

brianschmidt

One woman (who I admittedly wrote off at the time) that has become an inspiration looking back is my high school chemistry teacher, Dr. Waldron. After years as a pediatric doctor, she moved to West Africa to teach expats like myself various sciences. Whenever she would teach, her eyes would light up with such excitement as she demonstrated different scientific principles. One time, I came rushing into the school office with an injury (soccer cleat had sliced my toe open). Dr. Waldron was around and jumped to action. She helped me clean and wrap the wound, all the while explaining to me how hydrogen peroxide works and why it was bubbling up on my skin. As I look back, her relentless passion and excitement for science stood as a shining example to stay curious and passionate about whatever you love in life (which was science and medicine in her case)!

mbarthkelly

One of my favorite books is Radium Girls, so I'm picking Maire Curie.

Jenise Martin

My inspiration is my mother, and oddly enough not because she was into STEM but because she was so against technology. As a young child I was determined to bring her along with me and have dabbled my toe in Astronomy, Microbiology, and now as an older adult and ready to retire, I'm learning about Geology!

Thanks mom for being stubborn in one direction and pushing me in the other.

Laura McDonald

I'm inspired by my husband's cousin, Kara. Growing up, much like myself, Kara was surrounded by men who were excited any time youth took an interest in their work. Kara's father is a farm equipment mechanic, and also operates a farm himself. At an early age, Kara was operating farm machinery and out in the shop helping her Dad fix all the local farmer's equipment. She took an interest in all things mechanical, and her knowledge is astounding. She's never been afraid to step into any area or job that's predominantly occupied by men. She proves her knowledge and skills and has earned the respect of many in her field. She landed a job directly out of university as an engineer in steel manufacturing, but knew she always wanted to come back home to her roots, where she could be closer to the family farm. She just recently was offered a job as an engineer at the world's largest nuclear power plant, and she accepted! I'm so excited she's back home and we can connect more.

Brookland Solutions Support

Rear Admiral Grace Hopper was at the forefront of computer programming language development from the 1930s through to the 1980s. Arguably her crowning achievement was the development of computer languages written in English rather than mathematical notation - most notably COBOL which is still in use today.

wardl14

I spent a good amount of time during my undergrad degree (studying biology and environmental sustainability at an woman's college) learning about powerful women in STEM. Due to my interest and love for the environment, Rachel Carson stands out in my mind as a strong woman in STEM.