Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the incredible contributions women have made throughout history—and nowhere is this more important than in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). From pioneers like Marie Curie and Katherine Johnson to today’s leaders in AI, medicine, and space exploration, women continue to shape the future through innovation and discovery.
This month, EnCorps has been inviting people to share stories about A Woman in STEM Who Inspires You on social media. These stories have highlighted mothers, professors, mentors, and trailblazers who have left a lasting impact. But while we celebrate these role models, we must also acknowledge the ongoing need to support more women in STEM fields.
The Need for More Women in STEM
Women have made remarkable strides in STEM, but the numbers tell a different story when it comes to representation. Women make up only about 27% of the STEM workforce in the United States, and they remain particularly underrepresented in engineering and computer science. Despite their talent and capability, systemic barriers—such as lack of mentorship, gender bias, and limited visibility of female role models—continue to deter young women from pursuing careers in STEM.
Why does this matter? Diverse perspectives drive innovation. Without more women in STEM, we miss out on groundbreaking solutions, technological advancements, and medical breakthroughs that a more inclusive workforce could provide.
Honoring the Women Who Inspire Us
Throughout the month, we’ve been moved by the inspiring stories shared through our social media campaign. Some have honored teachers who sparked a love for math and science, while others have highlighted mentors who encouraged confidence in male-dominated fields. These stories remind us that when young women see others like them succeeding in STEM, they’re more likely to believe they can succeed, too.
“I think that being a scientist is like being a superhero, because superheroes save people, and want to do what is best for their society – scientists do the same exact thing.”
Photo taken from Gitanjali Rao’s website.
Building a More Inclusive Future
The message is clear: We need more women in STEM. That means investing in education, mentorship, and programs like EnCorps, which empower STEM professionals to inspire the next generation. By supporting initiatives that break down barriers, we create opportunities for young women to see STEM not as an exclusive field, but as a place where they belong and can thrive.
As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we encourage you to reflect on A Woman in STEM Who Inspires You. Share her story, mentor a young woman, and advocate for greater representation in STEM. Because the future of innovation depends on the voices, ideas, and talents of everyone.