STEMAZING webinar inspires inclusion

The session featured a range of diverse speakers who shared their personal experiences and calls to action on how we can foster a more inclusive STEM environment.

Alexandra Knight, a passionate advocate for inclusion in STEM, introduced the session, emphasising the STEMAZING's mission: "To empower and equip diverse role models to be confident, visible, and effective in engaging young people, inspiring a more diverse and inclusive STEM future."

As well as speaking on the ongoing celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, Knight also called for actionable steps to support inclusion to be taken every day.

Speaker highlights

Nike Amiaka, Technical Professional Leader – Safety, KBR, Inc

Amiaka highlighted the difficulties parents face when returning to work after a career break. She shared shocking statistics: "98% of mums do want to go back to work ... but only 33% felt it was viable to go back full-time." She also pointed out the high cost of childcare in the UK and insufficient support systems compared to countries like Sweden and Finland also hindered the process.

Amiaka urged companies to adopt supportive policies and governments to provide better childcare provisions. She suggested: "Companies can have returner programmes, reskilling programmes ... and supportive systems."

Anna Preston, Development Team Leader, Mabey Hire

Preston shared her journey of overcoming inadequate career advice and discovering her passion for engineering. Diagnosed with autism six years ago, she emphasised the need for relatable role models: "If I'd been fortunate enough to encounter a role model ... I might have found it much easier."

Preston encouraged being visible and relatable role models, advising: "Raise awareness, promote inclusion, and be yourself ... step up as a STEM role model."

Paul Barker, Founder, Enter Engineering

Barker discussed the importance of supporting education to inspire future engineers. He noted that many students lack preparation for job interviews because they aren’t aware of what it involves – no one had told them: "They couldn't answer basic questions about themselves or the job they were applying for."

Barker suggested industry professionals engage with schools and colleges, recommending: "Offer careers days, presentations, masterclasses ... and help students develop communication skills and resilience."

Maria Rossini, Head of Education, British Science Association

Rossini highlighted the need to engage young children in STEM to challenge stereotypes early. She pointed out: "Young people are discounting STEM as a career quite early on ... before the age of 10."

Rossini advised focusing on connection and relatability, suggesting: "Use attributes like curiosity, creativity, and collaboration to connect with children ... let them be the scientists or engineers in projects."

Kailey Firmin, Lecturer in Advanced Engineering, Coleg Cambria

Kirmin shared her experience as a deaf professional in STEM. She faced significant barriers at university due to a lack of accessibility: "I spent two months struggling and was at the bottom of every single class … I went to the accessibility department … they did an emergency assessment … [but] it wasn't until February that I got accessibility and it changed everything for me."

Firmin emphasised the importance of accessibility and role models. She urged: "Ask what individuals need to make life work better for them ... encourage children to explore their needs and be receptive."

Sabrina Menasria, Founder, SINGULARITY Talent Agency

Menasria discussed the strengths of neurodivergent individuals and the importance of recognising and accommodating their unique abilities. She mentioned: "80% of women on the autistic spectrum are not diagnosed before the age of 18."

Menasria recommended integrating reasonable adjustments in the workplace. She advised: "Offer adjustments in the recruitment process ... use differences as strengths and ensure equity."

Meshi Taka, Associate Director, Waterman Aspen

Taka highlighted the power of allyship and the importance of creating inclusive environments. She noted: "To quote Bill Clinton … ‘Our differences matter, but our common humanity matters more’."

Taka called for active support and safe spaces, suggesting: "Normalise uncomfortable conversations ... promote training in workplaces to create inclusive systems."

Key takeaways

The webinar highlighted several key takeaways:

• The need for practical support and policies to help parents return to work.
• The importance of relatable role models and promoting inclusion for neurodiverse individuals.
• The critical role of early engagement in STEM to challenge stereotypes and inspire young children.
• The significance of reasonable adjustments and support for neurodivergent professionals.
• The power of allyship in driving meaningful change and fostering inclusive environments.
• The successful and inspiring session ensured that attendees left with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to promoting inclusion in STEM.

Watch the full webinar here.