Meet the leaders who are making HERstory at Pennovation Works
As we wrap up Women's History Month, we're spotlighting some of the women who play a crucial role in the daily operations of the companies within Pennovation Works. Through this month-long series, we've discovered that entrepreneurship and STEM careers can be challenging paths. However, with the right support, determination, and mentorship, we can uplift each other, shatter glass ceilings, and inspire future generations!
Jill Harris, VP of Operations at Tozuda
How has a female mentor impacted your career?
My female mentor is my mom, who is a Director at a healthcare and rehabilitation facility. The power and the grace that she carried herself with always sticks with me. I think seeing her in a leadership role from such a young age, and having it be so ingrained into my life, truly empowered me in a way that I wasn’t even aware of until I grew up and realized that not everyone sees that. My mom also loves her job and loves the people she works with on a level that makes it hard for her to leave her job (she has tried to retire multiple times, and always goes back!). So, seeing a woman who enjoys what she does, who she does it with, who is clearly very respected by her colleagues and peers, made my going into a career like STEM and entrepreneurship seem truly achievable.
How can women be better supported or uplifted in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)?
The best way to support women in STEM is to support them at home and in their daily lives. I was given the freedom of choosing whatever activity I wanted to participate in growing up. Even if I couldn’t do it full time, or only got to try it out, my parents supported me by giving me options. Though my parents were generously able to support me through my activities, what really matters is having an open mind and supporting a child’s curiosity. Throughout my childhood, I’d always been given the space to ask questions, to try it out, to learn something for myself without my parents, and they fostered that curious, independent attitude which still lives today.
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Ruth Desiderio, Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at Penn Vet Working Dog Center
How has a female mentor impacted your career?
Serendipitously, my neighbor happened to be a music teacher who decided to pursue school counseling. After many “over the fence” conversations during which she encouraged me to pursue a career in education, I subsequently enrolled in a master’s program to certify as an elementary/special ed teacher. She championed me through my program and ultimately, I obtained a teaching position where she became my principal. She supported me in that role, appointing me to leadership positions in the school, and ultimately encouraging me to pursue administrative opportunities to widen my impact on students and families. As an administrator, I was able to participate in the development and implementation of policies that support diversity, equity and inclusion at the district level.
Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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Tiffany Scott, Accountant at Interius Biotherapeutics
How has a female mentor impacted your career?
Before I started at Interius, I was ready to give up on some of my career goals. I felt like since it hadn’t happened, it would never happen. Then I met my current supervisor Lovisha, who is pushing me every day to be better and not give up on what I have worked so long and hard to achieve. She lets me know that it all takes time and that even when it's hard brush it off and keep the faith.
Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
– Maya Angelou
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Dr. Amritha Mallikarjun, Postdoctoral Researcher at Penn Vet Working Dog Center
How do you support women’s empowerment and gender equality?
It is great to be across several fields of research where women are already highly represented. Further supporting gender equality in these fields means putting in specific effort to bring women from underrepresented groups into the field and to support the women from underrepresented groups already in our field. Inviting these women to give guest lectures in classes and departmental talks both supports the careers of these researchers by providing them speaking opportunities and also demonstrates to students the burgeoning diversity in the fields of psychology and neuroscience. Seeing someone like themselves in a particular field of study can make students feel more comfortable pursuing that field.
How can women be better supported or uplifted in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)?
It is clear that many STEM programs are encouraging women to apply and looking to attract more women and underrepresented groups to their ranks. It is very important that programs not only ask women to apply, but support them through the program to ensure their completion. I often felt like I had to over-perform in my computer science classes in college where I was one of the only women because I felt that if I failed it would reflect poorly on all the women in the course. I only continued through because we formed a study group of women in those classes that was incredibly supportive. Too many women and underrepresented minorities drop out of programs because of a lack of support once they matriculate. Support can be provided in multiple ways; one way is to engender feelings of belonging by connecting students with other students that have similar life experiences. Ensuring that students have easy access to mentorship and advising can also help them make informed choices in their program and help them feel supported. Promoting programs that support women, like easily available childcare, also can help support women in STEM.
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Léolène Carrington, Scientist at Interius Biotherapeutics
What advice would you give to women who want to become an entrepreneur or pursue a career in STEM?
When considering these career journeys, it's crucial to determine what is most important to you. This could be your passion for the field, your desire for work-life balance, or your commitment to making a difference in the world. Understanding your priorities will help you to stay focused on your goals, even when faced with challenges. How would you like to be remembered, or what would you like to be known for? Once you've determined this, use these answers as a guide to chart your path. Seek out environments committed to your success holistically. It is easier to thrive through authenticity. Ultimately, surround yourself with experienced mentors and advisors who have successfully navigated that road or know enough to guide you.
What’s your Women’s History Month message?
Learning from women's history is a powerful tool in overcoming the challenges you may face in your journey. Remember that your journey is unique and embrace it with determination and resilience. Your unique experiences and perspectives are what make you valuable in STEM or entrepreneurship, so don't be afraid to stand out and make your mark.
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Kelly Homoky, Data Operations Associate at Treeswift
How can women be better supported or uplifted in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)?
Despite not having a STEM background, I still feel respected and valued at Treeswift. This doesn't just apply to women, but setting up a work environment that allows for making mistakes without shame is very important (and not standard from my experience before this job). You should find balance between being ready to offer support, but not assuming someone needs it. The person with less power or status should feel comfortable asking questions and still feel safe about their job and reputation.
What’s your Women’s History Month message?
Feelings have a place at work. We should talk to our peers about things that make us uncomfortable at work, our feelings, how much we make, etc. Self-advocacy can be hard, but it can be easier to raise concerns knowing you have the support of others. When people talk about their feelings, especially women, they can be branded as unprofessional. We are discouraged from talking about taboo topics and are branded as gossips, but sharing information can be hugely beneficial.
