Women in STEM fields celebrated for their efforts

Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Women in STEM

Every little girl has dreams for their future, and sometimes, those dreams require breaking down barriers. For many women, the call to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) comes later in life, but when it does, it can be a moment of empowerment and transformation. Audra Lutterotti, a master’s student at the University of Lethbridge, recalls her first lab experience as a defining moment. “I remember my first lab I ever had at the U of L. I put on my lab coat, and it was like putting on a superhero cape. I was like, ‘this is where I’m meant to be.’” For Audra, this moment was a calling she couldn’t ignore, even though it meant entering a traditionally male-dominated field. She was ready to embrace the challenge, knowing that the journey would not be easy but would be worth it.

Finding Passion in STEM: A Personal Journey

Audra’s journey into STEM was not straightforward. Growing up, she was more musically inclined and thought she would end up in a career related to music. However, her love for science grew over time, and she found herself drawn to the field of chemistry. “I just fell in love with it,” she says. Despite the underrepresentation of women in STEM, Audra felt a sense of belonging at the University of Lethbridge, where she saw many women in chemistry, including professors who became role models for her. “I saw myself in other people, I saw myself in the professors,” she remarks. This sense of community and representation made her feel less alone in her journey and more confident in her choice to pursue a career in STEM.

Challenges and Optimism: The Future of Women in STEM

While Audra is optimistic about the future of women in STEM, not everyone shares the same sentiment. Laura Keffer-Wilkes, a biochemistry instructor at the University of Lethbridge, expresses concerns about the current political climate and its impact on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives. “In the last month and a half, with all the things that are going on south of the border and the dismantling of EDI, I think it’s just going to make it even harder for a lot of women to get into specific fields,” she says. However, Laura also acknowledges that progress has been made in recent years, and she remains hopeful about the future. Audra, on the other hand, believes that Canada is still a beacon of empowerment for women in STEM, thanks to the country’s strong commitment to EDI. “EDI in general is kind of falling by the wayside in terms of our neighboring country, but here it’s really important that we have EDI and we push that to not only have women in STEM but other people of minorities,” she says.

Role Models and Trailblazers: Paving the Way for Future Generations

Laura Keffer-Wilkes stands as an example of a woman who persevered and became a trailblazing role model for future generations. Her journey into STEM was not without its challenges, but she stayed the course and is now in a position to inspire and mentor others. Laura’s message to girls and young women who wish to follow in her footsteps is simple yet powerful: “Don’t give up. You have it in you to make it. Find a mentor, find that cheerleader that’s going to help you out. We don’t get through life by ourselves, you need someone to advocate for you, especially in those male-dominated fields.” She emphasizes the importance of having someone to look up to and someone to turn to for support. “It’s really great to have someone to look out for you and (someone) you can go to and talk about issues,” she adds.

The Power of Mentorship: Navigating STEM with Support

Audra and Laura both highlight the crucial role that mentorship plays in helping women navigate the challenges of STEM. For many women, the lack of representation and the presence of systemic barriers can make the journey feel isolating and daunting. However, having a mentor or a supportive network can make all the difference. Mentors not only provide guidance and advice but also serve as role models, showing young women what is possible and helping them believe in their own potential. Audra’s experience at the University of Lethbridge, where she saw many women in chemistry, including professors, was instrumental in helping her feel a sense of belonging and confidence in her chosen field. Similarly, Laura’s journey shows the impact that perseverance and support can have on a woman’s career in STEM.

A Call to Action: Empowering the Next Generation

As women like Audra and Laura continue to break down barriers and pave the way for future generations, their stories serve as a call to action for girls and young women everywhere. The future of women in STEM is bright, but it requires ongoing effort and commitment to EDI initiatives. By supporting one another, finding mentors, and advocating for themselves, women can overcome the challenges they face and achieve their dreams. Audra’s story is a testament to the transformative power of finding one’s passion and pursuing it with determination. As she says, “I know there’s a struggle with women in STEM because not a lot of girls get into it right away. I definitely was more musically inclined, I thought I was going to end up in music. Then, science, I just fell in love with it.” For Audra, Laura, and countless other women in STEM, the journey is worth it, and their stories inspire others to follow in their footsteps.