“Don’t forget to celebrate small wins. Your baby steps deserve to be celebrated and recognized.”

Vicky Vo

User Experience Design

Adobe

“Diversity and inclusivity benefits innovation and everyone at the table; it brings in new perspectives and allows us to use STEM to create solutions that are equitable.”

Sophie Feng

Co-President

STEM for FEM

“Embrace your untapped potential with wide arms. Know that you are worthy, capable, brilliant, and your ideas will change the world.”

Davina Premraj

CEO & Founder

MedSTEMPowered

“Don’t dwell on the outside noise. Be creative, be confident, be a boss.”

Jennifer Lew

Founder & President

GirlsCodeIt

“I learned from my PhD journey to keep trying to solve problems even when there is seemingly no progress. Be persistent, appreciate the small steps, learn from others, and ask for advice.”

Dr. Natasa Dragovic

President

USAAAO

“If you walk into a room where no one else looks like you, it’s important to remember that you deserve to be there just as much as everyone else – and maybe even more so.”

Alexa Kayman

CEO & Founder

The Generation

“You’re worth every penny you ask for and you’re likely not asking for enough.”

Dr. Brittany Barreto

CIO & Founder

FemHealth Insights

Helen Huang

Co-Founder

Co.Lab

“Things are hard, especially the first few times, and maybe even the first few hundred times. But it’s important to remember that you have the skills and dedication to push through. And how boring would it be if you got everything right the first time? Just keep trying – you can do it!”

“It’s never too late to start.”

Jasmine Nguyen

Co-CEO & Co-Founder

Diversify Our Narrative

“Don’t ever let uncertainty over your ideas hold you back— all great things have to start somewhere, and you never know until you try. And along the way, remember that it’s totally okay to make mistakes, fail, or face tremendous setbacks. It’s all part of the process, and if you ever feel discouraged, ground yourself by remembering that everything is a learning process! No matter the outcome, it’s almost guaranteed that you learned something really valuable in all your experiences no matter what they might be, and that’s truly what matters in the end. The lessons you pick up along the way are far more important than your final destination!”

Katelin Zhou

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director of Operations

Diversify Our Narrative

“Do not shy away from pursuing your passion and listening to your inner voice!”

Dr. Roopan Gill

Executive Director

Vitala Global Foundation

“Don’t be afraid to pursue what’s good and true.”

Abigayle Peterson

Founder & CEO

Magnify Wellness

“Do not look for approval from others, but from yourself, because true empowerment comes from within you! Not everyone will accept what you do, but do not allow that to stop you.”

Rachel Gunawan

Operations Lead

Tech Girls United

“Nothing in this world is ever too good for you. Do not let the expectations of other people affect the accomplishments that are already coming your way.”

Nethmi Marissa D’Alwis

Technical Program Manager

AWS Security

“Push yourself outside your comfort zone – find solace in being the only, the token, in the room. It will be temporary. You are paving the way for other women and minorities to follow, with the hope that our journey makes things easier for them.”

Maria Isabel Bances

Founder

Belongst