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?

I was initially drawn to STEM-based industry given how innovative and transformative it can be. For me, this meant technology and healthcare that was pioneering and accomplishing ‘firsts’ to benefit customers and patients. To create a pathway in a space like this, it is important to embrace the notion of ‘working in the gray’. This is because there is often no playbook when pursuing novel approaches or things that have not been done before. To achieve success, I took serious initiative when the way forward was unclear to raise my hand, create a plan and help get to the desired destination.

My career in STEM-based industry started by supporting technical teams that built computer software and worked with Microsoft to make their products easier for customers to use. It was a fast-paced, ever-changing environment that taught me to stay curious, be adaptable and roll up your sleeves!

From there I transitioned to medical technology where I spent time in the company’s robotics division. Here I supported clinical teams who helped surgeons plan and perform live robotic-assisted surgeries. Precision and accuracy were at the core of what this group did and my experience with this team set my bar for quality higher than ever before.

Today I work at Ferring Pharmaceuticals where I continue my passion for helping R&D and Medical teams realize their ambitions. In my time here, I have watched the company launch two first in class products that make a true difference in patient lives. Again, this requires courage and foresight to navigate unchartered territories. At the end of the day, it is incredibly rewarding to understand you’ve played a role in legacy building work.

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

Mentorship for women in STEM is incredibly important. I examine my personal network often and follow the advice to “surround yourself with people who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities.” Early in my career, I had the great fortune of working for a leader that continuously empowered me to try new things and lead projects I otherwise would not be entrusted with. She had confidence in me and sought to help me understand the power of my own potential, even while I was figuring it out myself. She inspired me to move from the computer technology industry to medical technology and even helped me make the transition. In this way, she was the mentor I think every young professional woman deserves.

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

Women in STEM (and in the workforce in general) may encounter barriers or challenges. Imposter syndrome or simply put self-doubt can be a factor, especially as you advance in male-dominated industries. I have overcome this by investing time in something called strengths-based development. This is a process whereby people focus on their innate talents and what they uniquely bring to a team. The inventor of this development approach, Don Clifton, has a great quote which says, “What will happen when we think about what is right with people, rather than fixating on what is wrong with them?”. Through this tool, I have been able to articulate the value I bring and feel confident in the seat I have at the table.

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

In my personal journey, I’ve learned the importance of having a “can do” attitude and being solution oriented. I once heard career advice that President Barack Obama had to share with aspiring professionals and that was “learn how to get stuff done.” He goes on to explain that he’s seen people at every level who are very good at explaining problems and why something cannot be fixed. But what he looks for is someone who says, “Let me take care of that” no matter how big or small the problem is. In a sense, this becomes a personal brand for you that leaders take notice of and begin to rely on which can open many doors along the way.

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

“If you are not uncomfortable, you are not learning or growing.” The nature of STEM-based work is that it will almost always be pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As such, it’s important to stay brave in times of risk and uncertainty. Resist self-doubt or the urge to give up. When it comes to learning, I have found it is about the journey so much more than the destination. Many times, in my career I thought to myself, “How will I ever figure this out or get this right?” only to find myself reflecting on that moment years later saying, “Wow, I did that. I can do hard things! I am so much better for the learning experiences I’ve had.”