International Day of Women and Girls in Science

On February 11, we celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a significant occasion aimed at promoting the participation of women in STEM fields. This day not only acknowledges the progress made in narrowing the gender gap but also allows for recognition of the outstanding women leaders within the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T).

Leadership at S&T

The leadership team at S&T is predominantly female, exemplifying a commitment to empowering women in diverse areas:

• Office of Innovation and Collaboration
• Office of Enterprise Services
• Office of Industry Partnerships
• Office of University Programs
• International Cooperative Programs Office
• Tech Scouting and Transition
• Administration and Support
• Finance and Budget divisions

Each of these divisions is guided by women, demonstrating the strong representation of female leaders at S&T.

Statistics on Women in STEM

According to the latest data from the National Science Foundation, women accounted for 35% of the STEM workforce in 2023. Notably, at S&T, this percentage is higher, with women making up 40.8% of our federal employees. While this is a positive trend, it is essential to continue fostering new generations of female public servants in this field.

Showcasing Female Leaders in Action

Several leaders within S&T are making significant impacts in their respective areas:

• Melanie Cummings, head of S&T’s Technology Centers, discusses applying innovation to confront pressing homeland security challenges.
• Brannan Villee, leader of the Critical Infrastructure Security & Resilience Research program, talks about securing vital systems such as power grids.
• LaTasha Thompson, who directs the Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, explains the evaluation of anti-terrorism technologies designed to ensure safety at major events.
• Byung Hee Kim, conducting operations for Response and Defeat Operations Support, describes equipping bomb squads with essential technology to mitigate explosive threats.

These talented women are paving the way for future generations, positively impacting national security and public safety.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At S&T, we are passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the STEM fields. Our dedication extends beyond just one day of celebration; it is an ongoing commitment to enhancing representation and diversity in our workforce. The success of our programs relies on the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our employees, who collectively tackle the nation’s toughest challenges.

Upcoming Initiatives

As Women’s History Month approaches in March, stay tuned for stories highlighting the achievements of S&T’s remarkable women. These will be shared through our Technologically Speaking podcast and across our social media platforms @DHSSciTech.