The landscape of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is continuously evolving, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in many of these fields. The lack of female representation is not due to a lack of interest or ability but often stems from systemic barriers such as limited access to mentorship, unconscious bias, and a lack of role models.
Recognizing these challenges and the need to foster change, the SPE University of Guyana Student Chapter (UG SPE) and its sponsoring Georgetown Section, in collaboration with ExxonMobil, Baker Hughes, and the University of Guyana, hosted the "Empowering Women and Girls in STEM" event.
This initiative was designed to bring together students, young professionals, and seasoned industry experts to foster mentorship, inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, and promote inclusivity within traditionally male-dominated fields. The event was a testament to the power of representation and the importance of community-driven efforts to uplift and empower women in STEM.
The event was not just an opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals, but a transformative experience that provided meaningful conversations, exposure to real-world STEM applications, and exciting experiments. The attendees represented a diverse mix of university students, secondary school students, industry professionals, and members of the UG SPE Student Chapter.
For many of the secondary school students present, the event marked their first real exposure to a university environment, as well as their first interaction with women professionals in STEM. Their enthusiasm was palpable as they participated in campus tours, engaged in hands-on experiments, and asked insightful questions during panel discussions. Seeing young girls express excitement about the possibilities within STEM fields was a powerful reminder of why these initiatives are so important.
The participation of established industry professionals further added depth to the event, as they shared invaluable insights into their journeys, discussed industry trends, and provided practical advice for students looking to break into the field. Their willingness to mentor and encourage young women in STEM created an atmosphere of motivation and empowerment.
One of the most anticipated segments of the event were the two panel discussions, each featuring accomplished women professionals who shared their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs within their respective fields. These panelists came from a range of backgrounds, including architectural engineering, petroleum engineering, marine science, academia, and production engineering.
Throughout the discussions, several key themes emerged.
Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Fields
Panelists reflected on their experiences as women working in industries where they were often one of the few, if not the only, female professionals in the room. They spoke about the importance of perseverance, self-confidence, and resilience when navigating challenges such as workplace bias and gender stereotypes. Many shared personal anecdotes of times they had to prove their expertise and assert their place within their industries.
Kezia Chinian, SPE, a petroleum engineering student, discussed the early days of her career journey when she faced skepticism from colleagues simply because she was a woman. She highlighted how mentorship and continuous learning played a key role in building her confidence and credibility.
The Importance of Representation and Mentorship
Another central theme was the significance of representation and mentorship in inspiring young women to pursue STEM careers. Many of the panelists credited their success to having strong mentors, whether they were industry professionals or fellow women in STEM, who encouraged them to push forward despite obstacles.
Maria Fraser, a marine scientist on the panel, shared her journey of discovering her passion for ocean science at a young age and how she was guided by mentors who helped her navigate the complexities of academia and research. She emphasized the importance of creating mentorship opportunities for young girls, as seeing someone who looks like them in a position of success can be incredibly powerful.
Industry Evolution and Future Opportunities
The discussions also touched on the evolving landscape of the STEM industry, particularly in Guyana’s energy sector. The panelists discussed the rapid developments in petroleum engineering, renewable energy, and environmental science, emphasizing the increasing need for skilled professionals in these areas.
Speakers encouraged students to embrace the growing opportunities in STEM, highlighting areas such as technological innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability as key drivers of change in the energy industry.
With Guyana’s expanding petroleum sector, the demand for engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, and other STEM professionals is higher than ever, making it an exciting time for young women to enter the field.
Industry Impact: Why This Matters
The event underscored not only the importance of inspiring women to pursue STEM careers but also the broader implications for the industry. As Guyana continues to develop its energy sector, companies and institutions must prioritize diversity and inclusion to ensure sustainable growth and innovation. By increasing the number of women in STEM roles, companies gain access to diverse perspectives, leading to more creative problem-solving and improved decision-making.
In an industry as dynamic and complex as energy, the contributions of women professionals are invaluable. Moreover, fostering a culture of inclusivity in STEM ensures that future generations of women feel empowered to step into leadership roles. Encouraging young girls to explore careers in STEM is a step toward creating a more- balanced and forward-thinking industry.
As a volunteer representing the UG SPE Student Chapter and former board member, I felt incredibly grateful to be part of this initiative. Witnessing the interactions between students and industry professionals, and seeing young girls light up with newfound inspiration, was truly rewarding.
One of the most memorable moments for me was speaking with a secondary school student who initially had no intention of pursuing a career in STEM. After listening to the panelists and participating in the day’s activities, she expressed a newfound interest in engineering and was eager to explore potential career paths. Her story reaffirmed the significance of mentorship and exposure—sometimes, all it takes is a single conversation to change a young person’s perspective on what is possible.
A key takeaway from the event was that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure equal opportunities for women in STEM. The panelists and speakers left the audience with several key calls to action.
- Seek mentorship and become a mentor: Having a strong support system is crucial for navigating a STEM career, and those in established positions should actively mentor and support the next generation.
- Take advantage of opportunities: Internships, scholarships, research opportunities, and networking events are essential for gaining experience and establishing a foothold in the industry.
- Advocate for diversity and inclusion: Organizations and institutions must actively work toward creating inclusive work environments that welcome and support women in STEM.
- Encourage curiosity and continuous learning: STEM fields are constantly evolving, and staying engaged through education, training, and industry events is key to long-term success.
The Empowering Women and Girls in STEM event was more than just a gathering, it was a call to action. It reinforced the importance of mentorship, representation, and community-driven efforts to create a more-inclusive STEM landscape.
By bringing together students, professionals, and industry leaders, this initiative highlighted the collective power of individuals working together to uplift and inspire the next generation.
As we look ahead, it is crucial to keep the momentum going, through continued mentorship, investment in STEM education, and fostering an environment where young women feel empowered to pursue their passions without limitations. The doors opened at this event must remain open, ensuring that more women and girls step confidently into the world of STEM, ready to make their mark.
