Over 60 years ago IBM was among the first major corporations to hire minority female employees for key engineering computing positions. Much progress has been made! Here’s the story!
When President John F. Kennedy announced the U.S. “Man on the Moon” space initiative in 1960, computers were just beginning to leave the labs and enter the market place.
Among the many IBM technicians and mathematicians, the cooperative research program they shared with NASA’s space staff included young, able and dedicated black women scientists.
Their incredible story about how their talents and training likely saved the life of the then young astronaut, John Glenn, back in 1962.
RE@L is strongly committed to gender and diversity in the workplace; especially in STEM careers.
Much has happened in these last 6 decades. IBM has continued its exemplary focus on the role of qualified women in their corporate and software-based research, development and sales.
Here is a recent quote from IBM CEO, Chairman and President, Ginni Rometty, at their Admiral Grace Hopper Conference:
“Past is prologue. And it is a fact that women have helped drive every era of technology we have known to date. For a company to fully embrace diversity, conversations about fair hiring practices and equal opportunity are table stakes. At IBM, we go far beyond these to actively create an inclusive culture that ensures the brightest minds from all backgrounds can contribute fully throughout our business.”
RE@L notes that IBM’s Grace Hopper Conference is dedicated to WW2, US Navy officer and renowned female computer scientist, Grace Hopper.
It’s another story worth your reading and found among our previous RE@L blogs. Click on the graphic of Admiral Hopper on the right.
Ms. Rometty further told her audience: “Fewer than 3 in 10 science and engineering jobs are held by women. IBM recognizes the unique value and skills every individual brings to the workplace.
We believe that innovation comes from seeking out and inspiring diversity in all its dimensions. Consciously building diverse teams and encouraging diversity of ideas helps us make the greatest impact for our clients, our colleagues and the world. Diversity of thought. Diversity of people. Discover what you can do at IBM.”
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RE@L adds: More well-trained women are essential in STEM careers at IBM. So is the focus on more Diversity.
Let’s take a closer look! View the IBM videos of two IBM women employees and take note of the fascinating, satsifying careers they have in STEM-based explorations. Perhaps their stories may lead you or someone you know to consider a STEM career. There are many such careers, with many employers, and at all levels.
Choosing a career requires choosing to prepare for it. STEM careers require STEM learning.
Diversity and talent…women and men….special needs and more….all are welcomed in this new world of STEM-related careers!
Now is the time to start learning more about women’s choices of STEM careers.
Click on the videos above to learn more.
RE@L helps girls and boys in choosing the classes and courses in school that will enable future employment opportunities and more STEM careers.
RE@L helps educate K12 learners!
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