#68: Women in STEM

Welcome to Stay Sharp in Digital EngineeringYour insider guide to all things digital in product manufacturing and engineering.In this episode, hosts Jonathan Scott and Jen Ferello are joined by Jennifer Herron, CEO of Action Engineering, and Helena Gutierrez, CEO of Share PLM, to discuss an inspiring topic: Women in STEM. Together, they explore the unique perspectives women bring to STEM fields, the challenges they face, and actionable strategies to create a more inclusive and diverse environment in the workplace.From navigating unconscious biases to redefining leadership with empathy and collaboration, this episode offers insightful conversations about breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and embracing diversity in engineering and technology.Episode HighlightsWhy Women in STEM Matter:Women bring unique perspectives, including empathy, collaboration, and a focus on people, to engineering and technology.Diversity drives innovation and helps teams avoid groupthink.Challenges Faced by Women in STEM:Common biases, such as assumptions about technical capabilities.Experiences of exclusion or inappropriate behavior in male-dominated environments.Lack of female role models and mentors.Strategies to Foster Diversity:Hiring women and people from non-traditional backgrounds like teaching or psychology, and mentoring them to succeed in STEM.Recognizing and addressing unconscious bias in hiring processes and leadership practices.Creating safe spaces for open dialogue about diversity and inclusion.Highlighting the exciting and impactful aspects of STEM careers to inspire the next generation.Mentorship and Leadership:Collaborative mentoring between generations fosters mutual learning and empowerment.Emphasizing feminine energy in leadership, such as empathy and accountability, for more effective team dynamics.Women in STEM bring invaluable perspectives that strengthen teams and drive innovation. Through mentorship, proactive hiring, and inclusive leadership, we can work toward a more balanced and diverse future in engineering and technology.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Have your own story or insights about women in STEM? We’d love to hear them. Reach out to us at [email protected] or comment on our social media posts.Stay sharp, and we’ll see you next time!Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.