Celebrating women and girls in science

When we attract and hire diverse talent, we not only build more dynamic teams, we open doors to new possibilities. Today, February 11, we recognize International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the legacy of STEM:FEM, an external mentorship program designed by Electrolux Group for women entering careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

We took this opportunity to speak with two participants from the 2023 STEM:FEM program, to learn what impact their participation has had on their careers and to ask what advice they would give to women and girls aiming for a career in the STEM disciplines.

Cali Ashmun: a creative STEM:FEM mentee

Cali Ashmun, a 2023 STEM:FEM mentee and a Masters of Science in Industrial Design graduate, ArtCenter College of Design, California, United States.

Cali, what led you to the STEM:FEM mentorship and what did you hope to learn from the program?  

I was finishing graduate school with a master’s in industrial design, which I had chosen to pivot toward a more creative path while leveraging my mechanical engineering undergraduate degree. I signed up for STEM:FEM after a tutorial for female designers with a Master CMF Designer at Electrolux Group. When that ended, she encouraged me to join STEM:FEM, so I signed up to gain insight about early career decisions and goals.

Can you tell us about your STEM:FEM experience? 

I was matched with a mentor who is a Principal Designer in Design Systems, which brought a technical perspective to my otherwise creative focus. I learned a lot from him, but if I had to choose the most profound things, it would be the value of setting career check points with yourself to ensure you learn what you need to reach your long-term goals. My mentor also encouraged me to cross-pollinate learning, so that I’d develop a more dynamic mix of skills, and to seek specific feedback from talented professionals further along their career path. Perhaps the most unexpected advice was to always have passion projects outside work, so your job does not become your sole source of professional fulfillment.

What’s happened to you since STEM:FEM?  

My mentor was a true advocate of following your inner voice and playing to your strengths. He encouraged me to shape my career from the start, not just get a job. I turned down a few positions before I found a great match and I have thrived. I currently work as Designer II at Terrazign, an industrial design consultancy specializing in products with a textile component including medtech, consumer electronics, apparel and footwear, and my work is a great mix of creativity and engineering.

What advice would you give a woman looking forward to a career in one of the STEM fields?  

Find a mentor and lean into your own will and drives! I have found a new mentor, this time a female designer, and mentorship continues to be so motivational. Also, choose leaders with leadership styles that enable you to thrive. A leader can also be a mentor.

Thank you, Cali!  

Laura Pimenta: a STEM:FEM mentor

Laura Pimenta, 2023 STEM:FEM mentor and Senior LATAM Manufacturing Excellence Manager, Brazil. 

Hi Laura! Can you tell us how you decided to become a STEM:FEM mentor? 

STEM:FEM attracted me because it encourages younger women entering their career and making education choices to think in new, confident ways. I believe experienced women should do what they can to empower younger women who are stepping into their careers, and mentorship is a wonderful experience for both the mentee and the mentor. We can all learn so much from one another.

Tell us, what was your STEM:FEM experience like?

It was amazing. I was an Electrolux Manufacturing Systems Manager at the time for our Business Area in Latin America, and I was matched with a mentee who ended up getting a position at Unilever. We have taught each other so much and have maintained a relationship beyond the program that has led to networking and a knowledge exchange based on benchmarking that benefits both our companies. These kinds of things happen organically when driven and supportive women collaborate.

What advice would you give a woman looking to build a career in one the STEM fields? 

I would say don’t hesitate. Girls and women are needed in the STEM disciplines, especially engineering and robotics, which will have a huge impact on the future and the direction our world takes. The future will be complex and challenging, and we will need great thinkers and problem solving. Women are very solution driven; I find. We are good at solving problems.

I would also advise women to apply for jobs you do not think you are qualified for. Men are much more likely to apply for jobs when they do not meet all the job requirements. Women must be encouraged to do the same to give themselves equal chances. Learning and development is a part of any job and adaptability is a skill you can leverage.

If you could wish young women in science something for the future, what would it be?  

I think of my daughters, who are 11 and eight years old. I wish them a lot of supportive female leadership and many mentors throughout life who encourage them to choose roles that are not traditionally offered, so that they can be a part of shaping a future that is led with courage and strives for humanity’s best possible outcome.

Thank you, Laura!  

At Electrolux Group, mentoring is an integral part of our everyday learning culture. Are you curious about how  you can shape your future with us? Click here to see how you can grow with Electrolux Group.