In this episode we explore the continuing global gender gap in STEM fields when it comes to studying engineering and pursuing STEM careers. Globally, women make up only 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and it doesn’t get any better at the country level: in the U.S., the figure stands at only 24%; at 17% in the European Union; 16% in Japan; and 14% in India.
This episode’s guest is Parimala (“Pari”) Lennartz, VP of Engineering at MPOWER Financing which is also the generous sponsor of this episode. Pari is a widely recognized woman leader in the Financial Technology (Fintech) industry, was recently named to a list of top women in the Fintech industry by The Fintech Times, and is also a vocal advocate for increasing the number of girls and women who pursue STEM fields.
Episode themes:
Pari’s personal and professional journey as a STEM student in India, to coming to the U.S. as an international student, and to eventually becoming the VP of Engineering at a major Fintech firm
The persistent “leaky pipeline” due to which women continue to drop out of engineering education and careers
How MPOWER’s loan model is having a unique impact on female international students from Global South countries
When it comes to STEM education and careers, do women in emerging markets or Global South countries face more challenges than their counterparts in the U.S.?
As a top woman leader in the Fintech industry, what Pari is doing to advance gender parity in STEM, and her excellent educational and professional advice for girls and women who dream of being scientists and engineers
Episode Resources:
Follow Pari and MPOWER Financing on LinkedIn
Read Pari’s op-ed in CEO World Magazine
Listen to Episode 12 with Gloria Blackwell of AAUW and Episode 14 with Fereshteh Forough of Code to Inspire
Check out MPOWER Financing's Social Impact Report
Episode sponsor:
This episode was made possible by the generous support of MPOWER Financing which provides no-cosigner loans and scholarships for international, DACA, and refugee students. Headquartered in Washington DC, MPOWER has to date helped tens of thousands of students fund their educational dreams and journeys.
