The unequal representation of women in STEM fields is a persistent challenge worldwide. With women making up just 35% of STEM graduates–a statistic that hasn’t increased in almost a decade – the time for systemic change is now. At HARMAN, we are committed to driving diversity and inclusion across all our global workplaces, empowering the next generation of women in STEM to break down barriers and redefine innovation.
In honor of International Women and Girls in Science Day, we sat down with Brianna Broderick, Senior Design Researcher, to discuss our efforts to create an inclusive environment and encourage a more equitable future for women in STEM.
What challenges do women in science and technology still face today?
Brianna: The challenges women in science and tech face today really stem from broader, systemic issues. Societal expectations and biases often cause women to be overlooked, interrupted, or expected to take on administrative tasks – undermining and disrespecting the expertise and skill that it already takes to be a professional in these fields. This means that women are expected not only to be experts in the space we work in but also take on the additional labor to keep things moving and make sure our voices are actually being heard.
Throughout my years in STEM, I have frequently found myself being the only female in the room (or one of a few). It can be challenging to break through the “boy’s club” or find a community that you feel supported by.
At HARMAN, we are actively working to dismantle these barriers by fostering an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. How does HARMAN strive to create an inclusive environment that encourages women and girls to explore careers in STEM?
Brianna: Representation really matters. It makes a difference when you see people who share some aspect of your identity being hired and being promoted to leadership positions. Throughout my time at HARMAN, I’ve seen many of the women I’ve worked with advance their careers and take on bigger positions of leadership.
I am in a unique position right now where my direct team is all female. While this is certainly not the norm, it’s a nice illustration of what is possible.
Mentorship can be vital in helping close the gender gap in STEM. How have mentorships played a role in your professional journey?
Brianna: After undergrad, I taught for the Girls Who Code program for a summer – this was my first foray into really experiencing mentorship in STEM. It was fascinating to be sort of sandwiched in the middle – I had women mentoring me who had been working in tech for decades, and I was a mentor to 20 high schoolers who were brand new to the space. Having that resource of someone who could help me think about what to do next in my career or talk me through a challenge was a game changer, and it made me want to share my experiences as a mentor whenever I could.
Mentors can intentionally provide support and connection that might otherwise be lacking. This can be really valuable in terms of working through day to day challenges and thinking big picture to advance your career. It gives you a chance to reflect on your own experiences, define goals, and explore paths to achieve those goals. I've found mentorship through formal channels and programs, but also more casually through colleagues and friends, I believe both are extremely important.
What steps can organizations take to attract and attain diverse talent?
Brianna: Diversity is crucial to success. People with diverse backgrounds and identities bring new perspectives and contribute different ways of thinking that fuel innovation and drive progress. To attract diverse talent, organizations need to commit to DEI initiatives not just by name but in action. Creating a culture that values communication, respect and inclusion is central to creating a functional, welcoming environment.
Respect should be a baseline expectation within the organization, nobody - women, people of color, LGBTQIA folks, disabled folks – should have to fight for it.
Culture change can start small – I think if we simply start paying attention to what’s going on around us, we can start making a difference. Notice who is actually getting a seat at the table, whose voices are being heard the most, who is being talked over – you may find patterns and you do have the power to do something about it.
What advice would you give to young women and girls aspiring to build careers in STEM-related fields?
Brianna: Find what you love and go for it. It won’t always be easy – there will certainly be challenges along the way. Know that your voice matters and is needed! Stay curious, ask questions, and keep learning. A fact many people don’t know is that the first seatbelts on the market actually did a lot of harm to women because they were built with the “standard” male frame in mind… it just goes to show: if we don’t have diversity, we don’t true have innovation.
We are proud to have women like Brianna and countless others at HARMAN, leading the charge for a more inclusive – and innovative – future. Their passion for progress is what drives us forward. Are you a woman in STEM ready to take the next step in her career? Explore the exciting opportunities at HARMAN and join us in shaping the future: https://jobs.harman.com/.