Graduates championing ‘STEMinism’
The STEMinism society, comprised of students at the University of Bradford, recently organized their inaugural alumni networking event aimed at shedding light on life after university as a woman in STEM.
Stephanie Travers, a University of Bradford alumna, stood out among 7,300 applicants to secure a position with Petronas, F1 partners of Mercedes and Sir Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, Vee Mapunde, another graduate, currently contributes to the National Institute of Health and Care Research, aiding health-tech startups through what she terms the twin ‘Valleys of Death’.
The panel at the STEMinism event featured University of Bradford STEM graduates Zainab Garba-Sani, Stephanie Travers, Saskia Lear, and Vee Mapunde, all staunch advocates for encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers. These graduates, who have excelled in various fields such as healthcare, engineering, and technology, shared their insights and experiences during the event.
The STEMinism society, founded by Alex Troup, aims to create a supportive environment for women in STEM, combatting any subconscious biases they may encounter. Through a range of activities like fundraising for charity, organizing career trips, and hosting guest speakers, the society strives to empower and inspire women in STEM fields.
Stephanie Travers, reflecting on her journey from chemical engineering at the University of Bradford to a senior role in F1 and charitable endeavors, commended the STEMinism society for its impact and collaboration opportunities. Similarly, Vee Mapunde highlighted the importance of diversity in the workforce and raising awareness about biased technologies in healthcare.
Overall, the STEMinism society and its events play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity, support, and empowerment for women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
