The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking group for women called the Women’s Business Network. This group meets monthly for networking, socializing, and learning about important topics that affect women in business. At past events, the group has learned about self-defense, organization practices, and most recently about women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
At the June WBN, the group met at the Quality Inn in Simpsonville, and was joined by Adrienne Franklin, a voice technology consultant with TSA Choice. She is a speaker with the organization’s Tech Talkers program, and visited the ladies of the Simpsonville Chamber for a presentation called “Women in Technology: Breaking Down the Barriers.” Franklin talked about her own life experiences – from choosing her major in college to searching for the job that fit her personality and interests. As one guest referred to her, Franklin is a “firecracker” and entertained the women’s group with her discussion. She talked about the barriers for women and girls who want to enter the STEM fields, and gave the group some ideas for overcoming them.
What is STEM?
STEM is an acronym referring to the fields of study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The acronym has gained momentum and recognition in recent years, as the education field has started to focus on these fields as a way to best prepare students for their post-graduate activities. Our nation is relying on technology more than ever, and it is the STEM fields that will support its continued development.
Girls in STEM –The Challenge
Females have long been a minority in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As we grow up and progress through our education, girls are siphoned out of STEM-centered after-school programs, elective courses, and eventually career opportunities. Studies have examined this trend, and found that there is a range of reasons for this occurrence. Reasons provided ranged from fear or intimidation, a lack of interest, or a perceived lack of engaging opportunities. To put it simply, from our early years, females often recognize themselves as a minority in STEM and easily feel out of place. As a result, we opt for other subjects: English, the arts, social studies, etc.
Franklin was no exception to this rule. She shared with the group her experiences from childhood. She was interested in science, specifically space. She told us about a birthday when all she begged for was a telescope. As she got older, however, she began to become distant from STEM subjects, and chose to major in English communications in college. In the early years of her career, she jumped from job to job, not understanding why she could not find a passion to drive her each day. A good friend had an honest conversation with her one day which opened her eyes to her true interests and skill set. It was after that conversation that Franklin became aware of TSA Choice. In her current position, she is able to blend her passion for communication and relationship-building with technology and science.
Girls in STEM – A Journey
Through this journey, Franklin has found her way back to STEM. She talked about the journey, and the importance of being aware of our own true passions and interests. In everything we do, Franklin urged us to self-analyze, be true to ourselves, and know our interests. Pay attention to the tasks that we enjoy doing each day, as well as those that we dislike. Constantly seek opportunities where we get to do those things that we enjoy. We can ask for assignments that let us explore these interests. We shouldn’t be afraid if this leads to a job or industry change. The right opportunities for each of us are out there; opportunities where we can excel at what we do and actually look forward to working each day.
Nurturing an interest in STEM
Franklin shared with our group some ideas for fostering an interest in STEM within younger females in our lives.
• Start early. If your daughter expresses interest in STEM, encourage her. Let her know that she can pursue that interest and provide her with resources to help her. If she asks for a telescope for her birthday, then by all means, get her a telescope!
• Seek out local groups to get involved in. There are interest groups and clubs that meet regularly and serve all age groups. If no such group exists, be the first to start one.
• Research and attend conferences. There are larger regional meetings that celebrate STEM and cater to women in those fields.
• Register for an elective. Our community has a wonderful school system, and most schools offer introductory courses in all STEM fields. Take a course as an elective, in addition to the required courses. Doing so might just be enough to cause a change in major or eventual job choice.
Allison McGarity is the development coordinator of the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
