In an ever-evolving world fueled by technological advancements, one organization is encouraging young women to pursue STEM-related professions and bring their voices to the table. Rewriting the Code (RTC), an organization founded by CEO Sue Harnett, exists to support women in their STEM passions, and help change the narrative that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields are a boy’s club. Harnett is passionate about young women’s abilities in the world of technology, and says that RTC provides resources and community to help them further their careers in tech.
“Every company is a tech company,” says Harnett. Whether there’s an interest in healthcare, engineering, or more creative fields like graphic design or even theater, Harnett believes that every young woman can find a way to combine their STEM skills with their other interests, saying that, “Curiosity is sparked by the possibilities.”
RTC is focused on women’s equality in the STEM field. Catering primarily to women ages 18–25, the organization meets the individual where they’re at and provides coaching, exposure to the STEM interview process, resume reviews, networking opportunities, and a strong community of peers to reach out to. Harnett sees the community aspect of the organization as their “anchor,” a way for young women to not feel alone in the STEM world and to form positive connections that will change the narrative.
According to the American Association of University Women, women only make up 34 percent of the workforce in STEM fields–a rate that Harnett strongly believes would increase if young girls were encouraged more often to pursue STEM interests. “If you look at society, there are a lot of norms for what girls and boys should do. Parents have a lot of influence,” she says. She emphasizes that parents should be verbally encouraging of their children to pursue STEM passions, whether girls or boys.
“By providing children with access to books, articles, and podcasts that highlight women’s journeys in STEM, you’re sending the message that ‘nothing’s stopping you,’” Harnett says. Another way to encourage girls, Harnett says, is on a local level. She encourages parents to involve their children in conversations with the working women in their community, saying, “Female role models are so important. Recognizing the power of visibility opens up doors.”
This year’s National STEM Day, on November 8th, is important to Harnett, as she feels that there has been a shift in equalizing the STEM field to include more women, and she is excited to celebrate. “People are realizing the impact and power of women in bigger roles,” says Harnett.
Learn more about Rewriting the Code and their mission here
Watch Sue Harnett’s TED Talk, How Teams Transform the Experience for Women in Tech
