Women Rise: Sheri Sheppard

TL;DR

Sherry Shepard, a professor emerita of the mechanical engineering department at Stanford, shares her personal journey as a woman in academia, discussing the importance of teams and the challenges she faced in becoming a tenured professor.

Transcript

good morning from Stanford to wherever you are in the world thank you for being here today part of the women rise Community I'm Robin Woodman and I am here with Dr Sherry Shepard thank you for being here today she is a professor emerita of the mechanical engineering department here at Stanford and her building is just right across the street so thi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🕵️‍♀️ Overcoming the challenges of being the only woman in a male-dominated field requires building teams and finding support networks.
• 🏑 There is a need for increased diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, and efforts should be made to encourage more women to pursue careers in these fields.
• 😤 Personal and professional teams can play a significant role in shaping an individual's career choices and providing support throughout their journey.
• 😃 Saying "yes" to opportunities should be accompanied by considering what can be put down and ensuring that one's happiness, learning, and ability to benefit others are considered.
• 😢 It is important to recognize and normalize the display of human emotion, such as crying, as part of the journey towards success and self-discovery.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Sherry overcome the challenges of being the only woman in a male-dominated field?

Sherry focused on building teams and finding support from various groups, both personally and professionally. She also acknowledged the importance of diversity and worked towards increasing inclusivity in her field.

Q: How did Sherry's various teams influence her career choices?

Sherry's teams, such as her violin teacher, her father, and her professor, played a significant role in shaping her career path. They provided guidance, support, and inspiration, helping her navigate the challenges she faced.

Q: How can individuals find their own teams and support networks?

Sherry suggests attending events, reaching out to interesting individuals for informational interviews, and joining relevant organizations or groups. She also highlights the importance of actively seeking mentorship and finding role models in various fields.

Q: How can we encourage young women to explore careers in STEM?

Sherry recommends exposing young women to hands-on activities, such as makerspaces, and providing opportunities for them to engage in STEM-related projects. She also emphasizes the importance of role models and mentors who can inspire and guide them in their career exploration.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sherry Shepard discusses her experience as the only female professor in the engineering faculty for 18 years and the lack of diversity in her field.

• She emphasizes the importance of team building and finding support from different groups throughout her career.

• Sherry shares stories of individuals who have influenced her, including her violin teacher, her father, and her professor, illustrating the impact of teamwork and mentorship.