A Tale of Two Environments: Being the Only Woman in the Room Doesn’t Have to be a Negative Experience

Abstract

While there is increasing focus on issues of diversity and discrimination in universities, it can be harder to get data from industry. In this talk, I will relate some of my personal experiences and observations over my career in industry, ranging from environments that were not optimal for women to thrive in, to being part of an inclusive environment with strong and supportive mentors. Blatant discrimination has become much less common, but subtle biases can still impede women’s progress, and impact their own sense of self-worth, such that they can hold themselves back as well. Typical examples include women speaking up in meetings and not being acknowledged, then having a male peer say the same thing and be rewarded, or supervisors always looking to a male employee for answers, even when his female peer is an expert. It can be easy to doubt yourself when this happens over and over, and question whether changing jobs will make any difference. As a result, studies show that a much higher percentage of women than men leave STEM fields entirely. However, being willing to take the risk and try again can pay huge dividends. In many panels I have participated in on women in science, men have also asked how they can help support women. Suggestions include: Be cognizant of how women are being engaged in meetings and work environments and point out unequal treatment. When a female co-worker excels at something or brings up a great idea, be the one to point out that she did. When an opportunity comes up that a female co-worker would be really good at, encourage her to apply. While I have been the only woman at many senior level meetings, I don’t feel isolated when I have peers that value my input and work collaboratively.