Why Visibility, Courage and Sex Matter In Engineering. | Alexandra Knight | TEDxViikki скачать в хорошем качестве

Why Visibility, Courage and Sex Matter In Engineering. | Alexandra Knight | TEDxViikki

We are looking at the problem of lack of diversity in engineering all wrong. And it is crucial for the future of humanity that we start getting it right. Our diversity scarcity mindset is holding us back. We need to flip this view and look at the scale of opportunity for inspiration we have with our current diverse engineering workforce. With the right levels of support they can create the ripple effect that is desperately needed. This is the only way we will cultivate a future engineering workforce capable of solving our global challenges. We need an army of everyday role models out there inspiring young people and we need companies, corporations, governments and most of all individuals to do this by default as part of their lives. This has become my life’s passion. As an unlikely engineer myself, I transformed myself from a painfully shy invisible wallflower to an active visible role model. My story of why I felt I needed to be invisible is intertwined with my sister’s story. We were both in the same terrible car accident, but I came out unscathed and she suffered a brain injury that caused her lasting physical and neurological disabilities. She needed and deserved all my parents’ attention so I had to be invisible. I had to re-learn a new identity as a visible role model which took courage and persistence. Now I am a strong believer that “role model” is not a reserved title for a few people up on pedestals. Through STEMAZING, I have supported hundreds of other women in STEM to become visible role models to inspire the next generation. My key take away for the audience is - Whether you are in engineering or not, we are all role models, capable of powerful positive change but we don't recognise we have that power. I want to spark an everyday role model revolution to transform apathy into agency in our companies and in our communities because this is the foundation of the fabric of our future for everyone, and it is urgent that we do something about it now. Unlikely engineer, recovering wallflower, and Founder of STEMAZING. From shy imposter to award-winning engineer, Visiting Professor, and appearing on TV. In 2019 she sold her house, left her job, and cancelled Netflix to dedicate her time to driving diversity in STEM.I am a strong believer that “role model” is not a reserved title for a few people up on pedestals. Through STEMAZING, I have supported hundreds of other women in STEM to become visible role models to inspire the next generation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx