STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) industries have experienced rapid growth in the 21st century, far outstripping other industries. It’s no secret that women who hold roles in STEM fields face significant challenges. Outnumbered by men, the culture in these industries makes women feel like they don’t belong and reinforces talent management structures that hold women back. Because gender diversity is critical to innovation, organizations seeking to be leaders in their field must take action to become employers of choice for high-potential women.
Catalyst STEM Resources
Quick Takes
Practices
- Boston Scientific: Accelerating Progress for Women by Creating Equal Opportunities for Growth Supporter Exclusive
Core elements include improving diversity awareness and inclusion competency skills for all employees, holding leaders accountable for meaningful efforts and results, and increasing transparency and communication about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and progress. Every employee is responsible for promoting DEI across the organization, regardless of role or level. - Parexel: Leveraging Gender Partnership to Advance Women in Leadership Supporter Exclusive
Different Parexel programs assist women in building the robust internal network that is crucial to advancement. These also successfully engage men as mentors, sponsors, and champions, leveraging their experience and participation in training programs. Regional DEI committees develop and execute strategies reflective of the concerns and needs of their regions. Externally, Parexel has stressed and focused on diversity among its clinical trial participants to create pharmaceutical products that are safe and effective for the populations that use them. - Medtronic: Igniting Women to Lead Through the Medtronic Women’s Network Supporter Exclusive
Medtronic Women’s Network (MWN) is run by employee volunteers—women and men from around the world. Members gain leadership and functional experience to advance their careers and are empowered to drive holistic change. In addition, MWN strategies are strongly linked to company metrics, success measures, and advancement opportunities. - IBM:Leading the Cognitive Era Powered by the Global Advancement of Women Supporter Exclusive
IBM has strategically and purposefully focused on technical women’s career development and advancement. HR and global business leaders partner to drive IBM’s diversity and inclusion goals by attracting and recruiting diverse talent; prioritizing leadership development and talent discussions; and engaging as a good corporate citizen.
Knowledge Burst
- A Code for the Future: Retaining Women in STEM Supporter Exclusive
Blog Posts
- Closing the STEM Gender Gap
- How I Learned to Excel in a Male-Dominated Workplace
- This Teen Tech Pioneer Has Advice About Making the Future Equitable
Reports
- High Potentials in Tech-Intensive Industries: The Gender Divide in Business Roles
- High Potentials Under High Pressure in India’s Technology Sector
Infographic
Tools
Design and Implement Customized Practices
- Vital Signs Supporter Exclusive
- Advancing Women in Tech-Intensive Industries: Transforming Organizational Cultures Supporter Exclusive
Trend Briefs
- AI and Gender Bias
- How AI Reinforces Gender Stereotypes
- AI and Equitable Hiring in a Post-Pandemic World
Webinar Recordings
- Rockwell Automation’s Culture of Inclusion Supporter Exclusive
- Women in STEM Supporter Exclusive
Other STEM Resources
- The STEM Gap: Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math American Association of University Women
- Technical Equity Experience Survey AnitaB.org
- Resources & Tools National Center for Women & Information Technology
- Employer Resources Society for Canadian Women in Science & Technology
- SWE Research Society of Women Engineers
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