A panel of inspirational women in STEM roles addressed an audience of SBUSixth’s female students today to launch a new ‘Women in STEM’ initiative. The women – a diverse group in age, roles and backgrounds – each gave their personal accounts of their journeys in STEM education and careers, and shared tips with the students on how to stay motivated and succeed in professions sometimes stereotypically seen as being for ‘men only’.
The project was created by SBUSixth’s Head of Student Wellbeing and EDI Champion Delma Russell, who said: “The energy and commitment shown at the event were remarkable. Maya Angelou said, “People will never forget how you made them feel.” Today, our female students were made to feel empowered, included, and confident about their place in education and industry. Thank you to the inspirational panellists for breaking down barriers and for the powerful example you set through your leadership.”
The speakers at the event included:
- Dr Safia Barikzai, Associate Professor of Computer Science at LSBU
- Maripaz Mladin, Civil Engineering Apprentice at Jacobs and former SBU6 student
- Dr Marcia Ogunji, Midwife Educator with the NHS
- Eliana Rabinowitz, Offshore Wind Engineer with Ramboll Uk
- Ressa Mensah-Daniels, current SBU6 Engineering student and Student Leader
Around 80 of SBUSixth’s female students attended, along with a group of Year 10s from South Bank University Academy. The event is the first in a series of events planned over this year to support females currently studying STEM subjects and to inspire more future applications to STEM subjects from girls.
SBUSixth Principal Kishan Pithia added: “STEM careers – those in science, technology, engineering and maths – are central to SBUSixth’s provision as a specialist technical sixth form. We are proud of our female engineering students, and doing all we can to support and encourage more women to access the sector.”
Currently around 20% of SBUSixth Engineering students are female, as well as over 50% of A Level Science students. Find out more about joining them by visiting us or applying online
