Mentoring the Next Generation of Women in STEM (original) (raw)

Recognizing the importance of supporting her community in alignment with her career field, Katherine Wright, Sales Account Consultant, recently participated as a mentor during the Mentoring Young Women in Construction (MyWIC) construction industry day camp for 7th to 12th graders in the Philadelphia region.

Initially introduced to the opportunities in construction as an undergraduate at Drexel University, Katherine has focused on highlighting opportunities in construction throughout her career, specifically for women.

"I was introduced to the construction industry while working as an assistant construction engineer at a design firm. Being the only woman, and especially the only woman of color, in that environment motivated me to encourage more young women to pursue careers in the field and to advocate for greater gender diversity."

Getting involved with community events to provide mentorship

After seeing the MyWIC construction camp event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania promoted on LinkedIn, Katherine reached out directly to the MyWIC camp team. As a former Philadelphia high school student, she saw this as a great opportunity to get involved in the community, especially in a way that aligned with her career field.

"I was truly amazed by how much this program offered in just one week. It not only introduced the girls to various aspects of construction, but also taught me about the trades I hadn't encountered before. Each day highlighted a different trade, including sheet metal, electrical, painting, and finishing. Hands-on activities included patching drywall, drilling holes, cutting glass, and wiring."

Importance of exposing young women to the opportunities in construction

Often a male-dominated field, Katherine shared that, "Introducing young women to construction helps break down outdated gender stereotypes, demonstrating that women are equally capable of excelling in traditionally "masculine" roles, such as engineering, carpentry, project management, and architecture."

Katherine furthered shared the importance of role models, "When young women see others succeeding in construction, it creates role models for them to aspire to. This representation is crucial in encouraging future generations to explore industries they might have previously considered."

Offering real, practical exposure to the construction industry

Without clear examples or pathways, the younger generation might not be able to resonate with the construction industry or be aware of all of the potential opportunities. "The MyWIC program offers real, practical exposure to the construction industry, helping young women develop skills and confidence in fields like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), which are essential to construction. It empowers them to pursue non-traditional career paths and shows that they can succeed in any field," Katherine said.

As the trades provide career stability and growth, Katherine shared, "After graduating high school, if college isn't an option or affordable, there are many well-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities available, particularly in the construction industry, which offers a wide range of options. Even if the camp attendees don't pursue construction, they will still gain valuable insights into what they do or don't enjoy. By providing this exposure, we help them recognize their potential for stable, rewarding careers in a growing sector."

From participating as a mentor in specific events or connecting with local students, Katherine reflected on the importance of giving back to the community as a mentor, "Mentoring helps refine leadership and communication skills by guiding others through challenges and helping them discover their untapped potential. One of the benefits of mentoring is staying connected with the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the industry. Teaching others not only reinforces your own knowledge, but also brings fresh perspectives, contributing to personal and professional growth."

Further reflecting on her own career, Katherine reinforced, "Supporting young girls, especially those who remind me of myself, sets a positive example of the community. This is particularly important in underserved areas where access to resources, networks, and role models in fields like STEM is limited. Confidence and morale play a larger role in success than we often realize, and my goal is to inspire these young women to pursue higher education or specialized training, unlocking better job opportunities."

Looking ahead by promoting opportunities for careers in construction

was, "Seeing the girls smiling, bonding during the activities, and helping each other was incredibly rewarding. The highlight was when some of the girls in my group hugged me goodbye, expressing a profound sense of unspoken gratitude."

After a successful week of camp, Katherine reflected on the most rewarding part of the experience: "Seeing the girls smiling, bonding during the activities, and supporting one another was incredibly fulfilling. It was a true reflection of what Southland stands for — teamwork.

In addition to this rewarding experience as a mentor, Katherine also provided insight into the importance of mentoring overall, "Mentoring is crucial for those who lack support or direction as it provides guidance, support, and access to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, helping to break the cycle of poverty. It fosters involvement and shows that success is not just about 'my' personal achievement but is primarily about contributing to the growth and development of others."

Katherine's dedication to promoting careers in construction for young women and mentoring not only supports Southland's future success, but has specifically aided in exposing the younger generation to the many opportunities available within the AEC industry.

To learn more about Southland's career opportunities, click here.