For women of color in STEM, it is sometimes very lonely and isolated. We often feel underappreciated and overlooked, while our pay is significantly lower compared to that of our white male counterparts. Being a woman of color in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can be difficult.
It's important to remember, that while we may feel alone working to push those boundaries of diversity in STEM, we do not stand alone. In an inclusive profession, there are those who are standing with you. They aren't family, they aren't friends, they aren't classmates. They are women of color who have left science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) because of their struggles. There are other women of color who admire us for forging ahead in careers where there are so few of us. Then there are the little girls of color who dream of being us.
You represent the future
1. Women of color who have left science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). They stand with us because they truly understand the barriers we face and encounter daily. While they are no longer in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) they haven't forgotten about you. They don't think less of you as you don't think less of them. Instead, they are supporting you in prayer, encouraging words and
2. Women of color who admire us support our cause for three key reasons. Firstly, many of them may not personally know anyone involved in STEM fields. Secondly, they are aware that careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) demand strong mathematical, scientific, and analytical abilities.
3. Little girls of color are pure magic untapped. You have ignited their passion for science and technology, showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Your support and encouragement have made a lasting impact on these young girls, empowering them to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.
These little girls see themselves in you and believe that they too can become leaders in the fields of STEM. Your influence has opened doors for them, giving them hope and confidence in their abilities. Keep inspiring and empowering the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and innovators!
Conclusion
Despite the challenges we face on a daily basis in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, it is crucial to remember that we are not alone. It is important to acknowledge that even though we may not personally know or interact with other women who share our occupations, we are not fighting this battle by ourselves..
In our chosen STEM career fields we should not think of each other as strangers. We are bonded by our shared passion for STEM. It is worth mentioning that the appearance of our comrades being strangers is a mere mirage. Because of our chosen career alone, makes us all related or at least relatable to each other. We are our own clique we speak our own language, we don't communicate like other groups we move in silent yet powerful strides. Those traits alone whether we stay or leave our chosen STEM career, makes us family and a force to be reckoned with in our battle for diversity and inclusion.
Women of color in STEM these strangers are singing Kanye's song Clique. "Ain't nobody f#cking with OUR clique...
Ain't nobody fresher than my clique...
They don't do it like OUR clique!"