Fewer girls and young women are pursuing careers in tech and IT industries. In 1995, about one in three computer scientists were women. Today that number has shrunk to one in five.
With fewer real life role models, more girls may opt out of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. That trend will perpetuate the problem of “you can’t be what you can’t see.”
Inspiring the next generation of makers, creators, and doers is the heart of the Logitech MX movement #WomenWhoMaster. The initiative celebrates the achievements of women in STEM while inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps. Through #WomenWhoMaster, Logitech helps more girls and women get the advice, tips, and tools they need to thrive in STEM careers. We’ve kicked off the #WomenWhoMaster series with three groundbreaking professionals who are innovating, impacting, and leading in STEM fields.
Aisha Bowe: Mastering Mentorship
When Aisha Bowe was a college student, she reluctantly took a pre-Algebra class. The professor was a woman who was also an electrical engineer. Aisha was inspired. Seeing a female STEM leader put Aisha on a journey to earning two engineering degrees — a bachelor’s of science in aerospace engineering and a master’s in space systems engineering — to ultimately working for NASA. While at NASA, she was approached by a 13-year-old girl who said “I want to be an aerospace engineer.” Aisha found herself inspired again. She became determined to help this young girl and others like her. Shortly after that meeting, Aisha left NASA to found two STEM-related companies – STEMBoard and LINGO. Through her companies Aisha mentors people who don’t realize yet that they are the future of technology.
“I hope my work helps young women and girls somewhere to expand what they think is possible. And I hope it helps society expand what they think is possible for us,” Aisha said.
Hear Aisha talk about breaking the bias as a women leader in tech on the LogiTalk podcast. Available everywhere you get your podcasts.
Sara Inés Calderón: Mastering Career Skills
Learning to code was hard for Sara Inés Calderón. The now co-director of Women Who Code started her career in journalism. As the media industry evolved, she pivoted to a career in technology. When she enrolled in a coding class, Sara was slower than her classmates.
“Everyone was way better at coding than I was. I sometimes felt discouraged about my abilities,” Sara said.
But it taught her a valuable lesson — being smart isn’t about being quick. It’s a mentality Sara hopes more people in tech can adopt. Too often the fastest coders are the people who are praised. Instead, Sara says the industry should value skills such as communication or documentation because they create efficiencies and could open the door to more women entering the industry.
Gabby Llanillo: Mastering Your Voice
Gabby Llanillo turned a childhood love of video games into a successful career as a quality assurance (QA) engineer at Riot Games. Now she’s a leader and an advocate for QA as a career.
“QA is a great way to learn the different parts of video game development,” Gabby said.
Playing video games and working in the industry often meant Gabby was the only woman in the room, but she always remained authentically herself. Now she champions inclusivity for others. Gabby creates space for team members she leads to express their opinions openly and models how to use one’s voice by speaking up to leadership. In addition, she is a leading member of her company’s LGBTQIA+ resource group, which works to make the company better and more diverse.
Bold professionals like Aisha, Sara, and Gabby are leading the way for the next generation of tech professionals. Read more about these trailblazers and Logitech’s #WomenWhoMaster series here.
Ready to help inspire more women and girls to consider STEM careers? Share the #WomenWhoMaster series on social or nominate your own #WomenWhoMaster, either by tagging them on Instagram with the hashtag or emailing their story to us here.
Women Who Master puts a spotlight on women who have made outstanding contributions to STEM fields. The goal of the series is to celebrate those contributions, inspire future leaders, and help close the gender gap in technology.
