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Dreams and Determination: A Story of Female Empowerment in STEM
Every little girl has dreams for her future, and sometimes, these dreams mean breaking down barriers to achieve them. For Audra Lutterotti, now a master’s student at the University of Lethbridge, the journey to her dream began with a simple moment. "I remember my first lab I ever had at the U of L. I put on my lab coat and it was like putting on a superhero cape. I was like, ‘this is where I’m meant to be,’" she recalls. This moment was a calling that she simply couldn’t ignore, even though it meant entering a traditionally male-dominated field.
A Late Bloomer in Science
Sometimes, callings come later in life, and for Lutterotti, it was no different. She was initially more musically inclined and thought she would end up in a music-related career. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she fell in love with science. "Then, science, I just fell in love with it. Honestly, there’s a lot of women in chemistry at the U of L, so I didn’t feel very left out. I saw myself in other people, I saw myself in the (professors)," she shares. This transition was empowering and transformational, and she was ready to pursue her new passion.
A Bright Future, Despite Challenges
Lutterotti is optimistic about the future of women in STEM, but not everyone shares her enthusiasm, especially given the current political climate. "In the last month and a half, with all the things that are going on south of the border and the dismantling of EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion), I think it’s just going to make it even harder for a lot of women to get into specific fields. So, it has been getting better, but I don’t know what the trajectory is going forward," says Laura Keffer-Wilkes, a biochemistry instructor at the University of Lethbridge. Despite these challenges, Keffer-Wilkes remains a trailblazer and a role model for future generations.
Canada: A Beacon of Empowerment
While the situation in the United States may be concerning, Lutterotti believes Canada is still a beacon of empowerment for women in STEM. "EDI in general is kind of falling by the wayside in terms of our neighbouring country, but here it’s really important that we have EDI and we push that to not only have women in STEM, but other people of minorities and the U of L is really good for that," she explains. The University of Lethbridge is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women and minorities can thrive, making it a welcoming place for those pursuing careers in STEM.
The Importance of Mentorship
Keffer-Wilkes emphasizes the importance of mentorship in helping young women succeed in male-dominated fields. "Don’t give up. You have it in you to make it. Find a mentor, find that cheerleader that’s going to help you out. We don’t get through life by ourselves, you need someone to advocate for you, especially in those male-dominated fields," she advises. Having a mentor can provide crucial support and guidance, making the journey less daunting and more manageable. "It’s really great to have someone to look out for you and (someone) you can go to and talk about issues. Find that mentor and just keep going," she adds.
Empowering Future Generations
The stories of Audra Lutterotti and Laura Keffer-Wilkes serve as powerful examples of perseverance and determination. They show that, despite the challenges, women can and do succeed in STEM. Their messages of finding a mentor, staying resilient, and believing in oneself are essential for young women who dream of pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As the future of women in STEM remains bright, these role models inspire the next generation to break down barriers and achieve their dreams.
