By Sayantika Mondal
Special to Campus News
International Women’s Day – March 8 – is a time to reflect on the progress women have made in all fields, but it also highlights the barriers that still exist, especially in male-dominated disciplines like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While representation has improved, women and gender minorities in STEM continue to face unique challenges, from unconscious bias to systemic exclusion. In fact, as of last year, women made up just 28% of the STEM workforce worldwide.
As someone who has navigated the world of STEM, I understand firsthand the hurdles, biases, and moments of self-doubt that can arise. However, I also know the power of persistence, community, and mentorship in overcoming these barriers.
When I started my Ph.D. in Mathematics at the CUNY Graduate Center during the pandemic, I struggled with isolation. The already small number of women in my field, combined with the lack of in-person networking opportunities, made it even harder to find my space. I later learned about CUNY Women in STEM, a student group at the school that had existed for over a decade but had become inactive. Seeing the need for a supportive space, I revived the group, not just for myself, but also for others searching for a community. Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I believe can help women and gender minorities thrive in STEM fields at all academic levels.
Here are five strategies that have helped me in my journey as a woman in STEM:
- Build the community you need
If you don’t see a support network that fits your needs, create one. That’s what I did when I revived CUNY Women in STEM, and it turned out that many others needed the same space. Whether it’s starting a student group, forming a study circle, or launching an online forum, building a community can make a difference for you and for others who might be searching for the same kind of support.
- Advocate for yourself and others
Many women in STEM hesitate to speak up about their accomplishments, concerns, or needs. I’ve learned that self-advocacy is essential, not just for individual success but for creating systemic change. If you see an issue, whether it’s bias in the workplace or a lack of resources for women in STEM, speak up. Find allies, build a support system, and push for change where you can. I believe having more representation in advocacy roles across the board can make a big difference. I was the officer of student life and services and the co-chair for student affairs in the Graduate Center’s student government, and these roles helped me advocate for all students while being cognizant of the challenges faced by minority groups. Over the past few years, the number of female graduate students in my department has steadily increased thanks in part to advocacy by me and my fellow students.
- Have fun with networking
Informal networking — socializing — is just as important as formal networking. That’s why CUNY in STEM organizes game nights and museum trips as well as panels and discussions. Finding opportunities to gather with fellow women in STEM, whether through professional meetups or casual hangouts, is a great way to stay connected and feel supported. A career panel can be helpful, but sometimes a conversation over coffee and games can be just as impactful.
- Find your mentors — and be one
Mentorship is crucial at every stage of a STEM career. If you’re an undergraduate, seek guidance from graduate students or professionals. If you’re further along in your journey, pay it forward by mentoring someone else. When I started my Ph.D., I wished I had more female grad students to turn to for advice. But over the years, I have found mentors and role models in other faculty and friends I met at events and academic conferences. If you’re a mathematics student at CUNY, the student-run CUNY Directed Reading Program in which mathematics graduate students mentor undergraduates is a great way to find and provide support. By fostering connections, we bridge gaps and empower each other to succeed.
- Mix it up
Mingling with peers is terrific, but I’ve learned the value of connecting with students and professionals at different levels. In CUNY Women in STEM, undergraduates connect with graduate students to gain insight into research, graduate school, and career paths. Similarly, reaching out to advanced students, professors, and industry professionals can provide guidance and opportunities that you might not find in your immediate circle. Diversity of experience benefits everyone. From finding roommates to learning about job openings and companies, all it takes is us talking to one another.
If you’re looking for places to start, organizations like Women in STEM Leadership, the Society of Women Engineers, and local university groups offer fantastic resources and support.
Within CUNY, student-led groups, such as BrainE and CUNYSciComm, focus on STEM outreach while supporting women and gender-minority academics, and QUNY provides a safe space for queer students in STEM. Collaborations among these groups ensure that diverse voices are represented and that students from all backgrounds feel supported in their academic and professional pursuits.
Women and gender minorities don’t just belong in STEM fields, they enhance them. We bring important new ideas, perspectives, and experiences and make STEM more innovative and responsive to societal needs. The challenges to excel are real, but so are the opportunities to thrive and uplift each other in the process.
For those interested in learning more about our work at CUNY Women in STEM, you can find us on Instagram (@cuny_women.in.stem_gc) or reach out via email (cunywomeninstem@gmail.com).
Together, we can continue to break barriers, make history, and shape an even brighter and more inclusive future in STEM.
Sayantika Mondal is a Mathematics Ph.D. student at the CUNY Graduate Center and the leader of CUNY Women in STEM, a chartered student organization at the CUNY Graduate Center. (Photo by Alex Irklievski)
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