Can you share your journey into a STEM career? What initially drew you to this field, and how did you navigate your pathway into it?

My journey into a STEM organization did not take a conventional path. I began my career in advertising and media and was recruited for a procurement position at a large multinational pharmaceutical organization to focus on advertising and media and marketing. I always say ‘procurement is both an art and a science’ in the approach we take when we are exploring new opportunities with suppliers, but also negotiating specific financial arrangements and legal conditions. This is similar to STEM related fields as they require creativity to design, build and explore, combined with the preciseness of math, science and technology. Because of this philosophy, I am a champion of STEAM as I believe the strongest outcomes are when Arts and Sciences are combined.

My first draw to procurement was because it was the inverse of what I had pursued in advertising and media working at an agency to represent clients. In procurement I still had the opportunity to work in a creative environment but channel and apply my experiences in a different manner. Pharmaceuticals also was not necessarily intentional, but Pharma companies are always on the quest for novel solutions and are naturally oriented towards new ideas, exploration and challenging the status quo. For that my STEM/STEAM journey has become a strong pursuit of mine.

As I think about the younger generation that I have mentored in my professional and private endeavors, I reflect on how I continually challenge myself to learn and explore and not settle.

Have you had a mentor or role model who influenced your career trajectory? How important do you think mentorship is for women in STEM?

I have had both formal and informal mentor relationships. I found the ones that were the most enriching were those that were informal in nature and with individuals that I respected and admired in how they navigated and progressed in their careers and how they overcame obstacles. My experience with mentors and role models both within my career area concentration and outside of my function helped balance my influences.

Mentorship for women in STEM and women in general is essential. And I recommend both male and female mentors as each approaches career very differently and you can learn different perspectives from both.

As a woman in STEM, have you encountered any challenges or barriers along your career path? How did you overcome them?

Challenges that I have encountered at times have been when managers have “made an assumption” about what I wanted as a next step in my career or with certain opportunities. “Thinking for me” rather than “inquiring to me” was a challenge that I experienced several times in my career. Being a self-advocate and articulating my expectations has helped me overcome those types of situations.

What are key skills or qualities that you believe have contributed to success in your career? How can aspiring professionals develop these skills?

My career success can be contributed to a variety of skills and qualities. “Continual Learning” is the advice I would give to any young aspiring professional in STEM. Stay abreast of trends and introduction of new tools and technologies.  Learn all you can and in areas that are not necessarily your focus. Think about interdependencies and interdisciplinary areas in whatever you do. Be tenacious. Be prepared and think ahead. Have an alternative plan and don’t expect to things to go according to plan. Be flexible. Don’t approach roles thinking you need to know everything from the start. Experiment. Network and establish relationships. Remain curious.

What advice would you give to young women who are aspiring to pursue careers in STEM fields?

To young women aspiring to pursue careers in STEM, I recommend you pursue connections and networks in the areas to which you want to concentrate. Gain real world knowledge and experience wherever you can. Engage in resource groups, special interest clubs, attend forums, network through peers and don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals established in their careers even though it may feel intimidating. Most people are enthused to provide encouragement and insight to younger generations. And, “if someone doubts you, become even more determined and prove them wrong.”