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Taking CTRL of the problem

I started thinking about ways to address the challenge of creating a more inclusive STEM space over a decade ago. At that time, the challenge was that many people already at the table in a STEM company, wanted us to prove that this was a problem and that these were fields that young women were invested in. They wanted to know that solving this problem was worth the effort.

There was a lot of research and discourse about the lack of women across technical fields. Many of these were talking about formative experiences and I took the opportunity to reflect on my own journey. I recognised the fact that having positive early experiences had led me to where I was.

The good news is the industry has moved beyond denial, but there's still work to do.

Thats why I wanted to create those same experiences for other young people. So, in 2013, I started a non-profit called Stemettes.

Our goal was to empower young women and non-binary folk between the ages of five and 25 to have more equitable access to and make informed decisions about their relationships with STEM and STEAM subjects. By doing this, we hoped to engage the next generation of tech innovators.

To do that, we created spaces that enable connection with role models and peers as well as upskilling. That way our Stemettes can keep pace with the latest technologies whilst building a sense of belonging in technical spaces, which will carry them into whatever their future careers are.

It's not about forcing everyone into STEM careers. Its about ensuring everyone has basic tech literacy, to make informed decisions and participate in these 21st century conversations.

We cant really talk about STEM without covering the impact artificial intelligence will, and has had, on life as we know it. The rise of AI is often presented as a threat to human jobs, including in these fields. Fearful headlines about automation can discourage people from pursuing particular STEM careers thinking that these will be short-lived as AI will take over.

This narrative overlooks the true potential of AI. It is not a replacement for human ingenuity. Instead, it's a powerful tool that can and should augment human capabilities and accelerate scientific progress.

At Stemettes, our approach highlights the importance of early exposure to AI fundamentals. Integrating age-appropriate AI education at all ages can spark curiosity and dispel misconceptions. Inclusive programmes can showcase how AI is already being used to address global challenges, from medicine to legal, climate change to accessibility.

Highlighting the achievements of prominent women in tech fields, including AI research and development, provides relatable role models to inspire young women to follow suit and others to recognise success in all its forms.

And, of course, inclusive hands-on learning experiences are crucial for fostering engagement with AI and STEM. Interactive workshops and programmes that allow students to experiment with AI tools, like building robots or programming applications with AI, can make these topics come alive and showcase its creative potential.

The underrepresentation of women and non-binary folk in STEM is a complex challenge, but not insurmountable. By promoting early exposure to the right concepts and role models and fostering a culture of collaboration, we can rewrite the narrative.

We can all be more involved. Support organisations, like Stemettes, looking for role models, donations, and amplification. Its also important to be a lifelong learner. Challenge echo chambers in your workplace and at home by talking to new people about their lived experiences. And read widely. One great resource is The Institute for the Future of Work. It has a lot of tools to think about how to deploy new technologies, including AI, at work in a way that promotes good work and well-being for staff.

And, to the young women and non-binary folk considering STEM careers, I say this: there is an opportunity to be a pioneer who makes a difference, with all the unanswered questions and new innovations to explore. It's a chance to shape the future and make a lasting impact on the world. Let's embrace the potential of this new technology together and unlock a new, better era of scientific discovery.

Read more from the original source:

Why diverse voices are key to building equitable AI - Think with Google