Drexel University's first "Lives & Lessons of the Underrepresented in STEM" event was hosted on May 20 by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the College of Engineering, with the help of the National Society of Black Engineering (NSBE) and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP).
Six diverse panelists of all different genders, races, religions, nationalities, ages, disciplines, and backgrounds shared their personal stories of struggles and triumphs. They gave advice on how to thrive in academia and industry and how to recognize and remedy unconscious biases. Women and minorities learned the importance of mentorship and staying focused on what inspires instead of what hinders. Attendees learned that it is essential to motivate one another to speak up about the challenges they face and to never give up on STEM.
About 100 students, alumni, faculty members, and professionals left feeling more empathetic and more motivated to advocate for change and equality on Drexel's campus and beyond after a conversation with great food, information, and inspiration.
Attendees expressed how the Lives & Lessons events helped the way they view their own situation as well as the challenges of others. The panelists were thrilled to have participated and hope this effort is furthered.