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International Women's Day: #ChoosetoChallenge

March 01, 2021

International Women's Day is coming up and this year's theme is #ChooseToChallenge. Here at WWEST we decided to tell you why we choose to challenge sexism in the workplace. 

Dr. Lesley Shannon, WWEST Chair

As the chair for WWEST, an academic woman in STEM, and a mother, I #ChoosetoChallenge gender bias and inequality. At WWEST, we are working hard to establish a diverse and engaged community of individuals that respect each other and value collaborative and sustainable solutions, resulting in scientific and engineering developments that better humanity and our world. The work we do challenges the status quo and the established landscape of academia, industry, and community. We question those who say the marginalized are not welcome at the table. All of us at WWEST #ChoosetoChallenge because we want a world where everybody is on a level playing field.

Vanessa Hennessey, Programming Coordinator & Podcast Producer

I #ChoosetoChallenge gender bias and inequality because as a woman and a member of the LGTBTQ+ community, I know firsthand what bias feels like. I am working to understand my privilege and use it to make the world a better place for others. Working at WWEST, I am dedicated to using my communications skills to create equality in STEM and space for those who are marginalized to be heard. It's time to #ChoosetoChallenge so that everyone has a seat at the table and is included.

Mily Mumford, Research Coordinator

I #ChoosetoChallenge sexism and misogyny in my fields of film, theatre and space medical research. In STEM fields and creative fields many areas are still very much male dominated, and I have experienced misogyny myself, both casual and overt, working as a writer, director, scientist and computer technician. I am committed to speaking out against this discrimination and to stand up for any woman or gender non-conforming person experiencing sexism in their workplace. 

Alicen Ricard, Communications Lead

I experience bias on a daily basis as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a woman.  I #ChoosetoChallenge because it's important that these biases are made aware of. Working at WWEST has been great for that because we have make STEM careers more accesible to women and minorities and help them overcome those biases. 

Let us know how you choose to challenge on or .