First published at WIB-Capital Region in March 2022.

There is no question that the journey into life sciences is experienced differently by men and women. Historical challenges to the acceptance and advancement of women in these fields mean that female scientists still need to put more energy into Breaking Barriers in Traditionally Male-Dominated Careers, the theme of the latest WIB-Capital Region panel discussion that took place on March 30.

The meeting brought together a versatile group of speakers: Kathleen Fenton, Chief of the Advanced Technologies and Surgery Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Division of Cardiovascular Sciences; Ashley Huderson, CEO of Milton Strategies and Director of Engineering Education and Outreach at ASME; Camille E. Robbins, Director, Virtual Test & Advanced Electronics Directorate, Directorate for U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center; and Jennifer Rowland, Senior Advisor Technologies and Production Methods Division at USDA Foreign Agriculture Service. The discussion was facilitated by Ilana Goldberg, Program Director, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

While each had a unique journey, they faced some common obstacles and setbacks, such as the feeling of not belonging in that space, mostly because some professors and tutors provided feedback using insulting narratives, and also inappropriate behavior of colleagues who constantly interrupted or ignored ideas, until the same idea was repeated by a man. On the other hand, they also shared important stories about perseverance and success.

And when it comes to attitude, here are some pieces of advice from the wisdom of women who went beyond the prevailing status:

Persistence: Even if you have to work harder in order to get what you want, do it. Use sources like extra study sessions or tutoring to achieve your goals. Getting to know your field, providing value to conversations, and becoming the expert will land you in a much more comfortable space.

Standing up: Correct gently, but correct it until it gets right. When people don’t refer to you appropriately, you have to address it. And standing up for yourself and your boundaries doesn’t mean that you are aggressive or intimidating.

Calling out: Being interrupted, talked over in meetings, and having an idea ignored are more common than we think and require a response. Although some behaviors are normalized by society, they should not be reproduced.

Giving credit: Credit needs to be given where it’s due. Data just doesn’t randomly show up on a slide. Someone studied it, and especially if that person is a woman, the tendency is that men will ignore the source. This issue has to be brought to light whenever this happens.

Counter spaces: Find groups of people and organizations to be your support network, a place where your identity matches and you feel like it’s a safe space where you can be yourself. Any group that allows you not to have to explain your existence usually provides a level of support and comfort.

WIB-Capital Region: Breaking Barriers in Traditionally Male-Dominated Careers – A Panel Discussion, March 30, 2022