“Whenever I feel incapable of doing something, I find that I’m underestimating my true abilities. I go after my high-flying dreams anyways and have always proved my doubts to be wrong.”
Shubha Jagannatha
Technical Director
Pixar Animation Studios
“If you feel uncertain about your future, this is precisely when you are most powerful. Only you can determine your future, so invest in yourself, your well-being, your work ethic, and your dreams.”
Gwen Masonsong
Chapter Head
WiTech Sydney
“When you’re a young person just entering the field, it can be somewhat daunting and overwhelming. Keep the big picture in mind and stay the course.”
Amanda Hua
Director & Architect
Rivian
Jolie Li
Student
Stanford SWE
Stanford University
“You will be what you believe you can be.”
“She believed she could, so she did.”
Christina Yang
Graphic Designer & Illustrator
Mental Health Advocate
CyberARTS 20`
Center for Mindfulness Studies
Heidi Chen
Lead Digital Strategist
Free Logic Inc.
“I used to think failure should be avoided at all costs, but it often teaches us more than success. Nobody's perfect. Failure doesn't define you—it's how you respond that matters. Keep going. It’s an opportunity to improve and grow. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don’t, but we always learn if we’re intentional about it.”
“At Girls Who Code we strongly believe that “you can’t be what you can’t see”! STEM role models can be a guiding light for all students. Look for female STEM role models from your local community, school district, or universities and organizations that you hope to join one day. Don’t be shy to reach out and introduce yourself to learn more about their career journey and any tips they might have for you to get started on your own STEM goals!”
Christine Thompson
STEM Education
Curriculum & Design
Professional Learning
Girls Who Code
“Yes, you will be alone. It will feel lonely at times, and you will live with the data points that tell you that you don’t belong. All that is true…but if your passion is in technology, and you stick with it, you will find us—a handful of champions, advocates, sponsors, and allies that are rooting for your success. And that will energize you to be part of the movement and get more of us into STEM.”
Paola RĂos Schaaf
Director of Product
Ellevation
“Keep a journal. Self-awareness is the most important skill you can hold through life.”
Rachana Bhide
Live Audience Broadcaster
Organizational Psychologist
The Corner of the Court Project
Priyanka Komala
CEO
CurryUp LEADership
“When you start to second guess yourself, you know the moment has arrived to soar like an eagle and never take a look back.”
“You are stronger and smarter than you think. Don’t ever underestimate your abilities to pursue and excel in a career that you are passionate about. No matter what the hurdles, keep going, and moving towards your end goal one step at a time. The STEM field encompasses a broad spectrum of career paths and it can be overwhelming initially, but with dedicated time and effort, you will get where you want to be.”
Ketaki Vaidya
Product Manager
Oracle Hospitality
“There will be people along your journey telling you, you don’t belong or can’t do it. Listen to your heart and believe in yourself.”
Diana Macias
Sr. Engineering Manager
Apple
“Be curious; ask questions. Seek to understand yourself and your needs and your assets. Knowing yourself will serve you well in both your personal and professional life.”
Collier Wimmer
Manager Global Brand, Communications, and Marketing
Deloitte
“The quality of your thoughts corresponds to the quality of your reality. Believe that you are designed for greatness and dream big!”
Janna Hong
Computational Neuroscience & AI Researcher
Leader
University of Washington
Elena Haskins
Founder
UX & Product Designer
Converge & Anele LLC
“If you feel like you’re plateauing, look around at who you’re spending your time with. Surround yourself with a mix of people that you can mentor, that are on your level, and that you can look up to.”
Katerina Katakalides
Board Member
Sherlock's Homes Foundation
“It is so empowering working with a female founded tech company! Queenly is truly transforming the formal wear industry and prioritizing sustainability during a time when it is needed most. Each day I’m inspired by the women in STEM that I am surrounded by.”