Empowering Voices: Women in STEM on Challenges, Inspiration, and the Future

How are you celebrating International Women’s Day this year? At METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions, we believe that diversity and inclusion are key to driving innovation.

This International Women’s Day (IWD), we are excited to celebrate the noteworthy achievements of women around the world. It’s a day to recognize the contributions of women, take stock of the progress made, and commit to creating a world where everyone can thrive, no matter their gender.

We are proud to spotlight the inspiring journeys of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through our “Empowering Stories” initiative, our colleagues at METTLER TOLEDO can share their unique experiences, achievements, and advice; inspiring the next generation of women to follow their dreams.

Meet the Game-Changers:

We spoke with four incredible women from around the globe, each with their own unique story in STEM. One of them is Mari Lynne Starr from the US, who heads the Spinnaker Champ and Organization Development. With a background in biochemistry and neuroscience, she shows how STEM careers can take you in different directions, as she successfully made the leap from sales to marketing! “Science can take you anywhere,” she says. She is passionate about leaving a legacy for future generations.

We also featured Lilli Schander from Germany, who is excelling as a product manager while balancing motherhood. She proves that pursuing your career while juggling family can go hand in hand. Returning to work after maternity leave, she embraces all areas of her life. “Women should feel empowered to embrace both motherhood and career ambitions. Balancing both reflects our strength and determination,” she says.

Andrea Oliveira Boscolo from Brazil fell in love with chemistry in school, and that passion led her to a career as a senior field sales representative. For Andrea, problem-solving and continuous learning are key to thriving in STEM.

We concluded our series with Sales Manager Almira Cordova, a chemical engineer from the Philippines. She is breaking barriers in roles that are generally male-dominated. With her hard work and resilience, she's become a top performer in her department. “Resilience propels us forward. Gender doesn't define capability, but mindset does,” she believes.

Overcoming Challenges and Making an Impact

All four women emphasized the importance of supportive networks in overcoming challenges. “You'll find allies in unexpected places,” Mari Lynne said. “Our empathetic nature as women can be a strength, especially in leadership roles,” Almira added. By building and fostering these networks, we can help future generations find strength and encouragement in one another.

These incredible women are optimistic about the future of women in STEM. “Their advice for future generations is just as inspiring as their stories. Andrea encourages resilience, continuous learning, and using mentorship for growth. Mari Lynne reminds us to follow our passions from an early age. “Whether it`s that chemistry set or engineering toys, nurturing those curiosities can lead to a fulfilling career. Your enthusiasm is the foundation of your journey.” Almira highlights the importance of having a growth mindset: “Focus on cultivating a mindset that seeks continuous improvement and learning.” This approach helps us see challenges as learning opportunities rather than obstacles.

Despite their different journeys, they all shared common themes—stay curious, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and find mentors and allies who will support your journey. Their passion for science and problem-solving drives their work and inspires others, proving that STEM isn’t limited by gender. It includes elements such as building networks, seeking mentorship, encouraging one another, and considering the impact we want to have on future generations.

Who inspires you in STEM? Share your own story in the comments.

#TrailblazingWomenInSTEM #IWD #WomenInSTEM #DiversityInTech #EmpoweringWomen