 |
| Jill Rahn, Erica Wood, Sue Fassler, and Katherine Hobbs |
Moderated by student leaders Bella Francisco (Biotechnology
’26) and Chloe Beaupre (PhD candidate, Animal
Movement and Spatial Ecology), the panel featured four ESF professionals
whose diverse paths reflect the breadth of STEM careers:
- · Jill Rahn (BS 2015, Forest Ecosystem Sci; MS 2017 For Management), Forest Resources Analyst, Forest Properties, based at the college’s Heiberg Forest
- · Erica Wood (MS Env Biology 2025 Foci: Botany, in partnership with Indigenous Nations), Plant Restoration Project Manager, Center for Native Peoples and the Environment
- · Sue Fassler (BS 2012 ,MPS 2014 Env Sci), ESF’s Director of Sustainability
- · Katherine Hobbs (MPS 2006 Env Comm & Participatory Processes), Contracts and Compliance Business Manager, Office of Sustainable Facilities & Operations
Diverse Paths: Panelists each
illuminated a unique path in STEM. From transferring colleges or switching
majors to returning to graduate school after a decade in the workforce, their
stories showed that there is no single “right” path to success. Despite
career pivots, detours, and even setbacks like layoffs and false starts, each
speaker ultimately found a fulfilling role at their alma mater aligned with
their passion for science and the environment. Their journeys underscored a common
message: persistence, self-belief, and a supportive community can propel
women to thrive in STEM.
Resilience and Authenticity in Focus: Throughout the
discussion, themes of resilience and emotional authenticity took center stage.
Panelists spoke openly about overcoming self-doubt and societal pressures in
fields where women are often underrepresented. Jill Rahn candidly recalled
a crisis of confidence she faced early in her career. By continually
challenging herself – even taking on public speaking duties she once found
daunting – Rahn transformed those nerves into new strength. “Practice… the
things that make you the most uncomfortable,” she advised, noting that even if
a challenge feels impossible at the beginning, it will get easier each time.
Embracing Emotional Intelligence as a Strength: “I
would say that it is okay to be emotional,” added Sue Fassler, urging
women never to hide their feelings in professional settings. “Let’s normalize
having human moments in the workplace… It’s okay to feel emotions,” she said,
emphasizing that empathy can be “a superpower… our capacity to feel.” Fassler’s
point resonated with the audience, reinforcing a key sentiment of the night –
that authenticity and passion are assets in leadership, not liabilities.
Mentorship and Community Support: Another recurring
theme was the critical role of mentors and a supportive network. “If you’re
able to, be really picky about your team. Try to work with people whose values
align with yours. When you’re on a team that “gets” you and respects what you
bring, it’s a lot easier to set boundaries and be yourself,” advised Erica
Wood, who credited strong female mentors for much of her growth. Working
with “really strong, supportive women” has made an enormous difference in her
success, Wood noted. Jill Rahn likewise stressed the importance of women
uplifting one another: “We women are really good at supporting each other, and
we need to keep doing that. If you feel that pang of envy or self-doubt when
you see another woman excel, use it as motivation. Turn it into a learning
opportunity. But start with celebration. When one of us wins, we all do,” she
observed, underscoring the event’s emphasis on community and mutual
encouragement. Hobbs reiterated this
with “Find your niche and your allies, and keep doing the good work you’re
doing.”
Challenges Persist for Women in STEM. Panelists discussed experiences with
being underestimated, talked over, or dismissed—especially early in their
careers. They also spoke about navigating age dynamics, microaggressions, and
the pressure to prove themselves. Katherine Hobbs shared “learning how
to grow a thick skin without becoming hardened—to grow a callus without
becoming calcified. In other words, you do have to toughen up a bit—because
the world isn’t always kind—but you don’t want to lose your empathy or become
cynical.”
Empowering the Next Generation: In closing remarks, Katherine
Hobbs reminded attendees to lead with compassion and solidarity. “We
can’t lose sight of [our] humanity… everything we do is about relationships;
that’s what makes us strong,” Hobbs said, urging the next ge
neration of women
in STEM to be “there for each other” and to pursue their careers with
heart. “Don’t lose sight of why you
care.” Following the panel,
participants continued to share their stories and advice during an informal
mixer over refreshments, embodying the supportive spirit that defined the
night.
About the Event: The Women in STEM Panel was
organized by the ESF Women’s Caucus as part of its ongoing mission to
foster community, mentorship, and empowerment for women in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics at ESF. The uplifting discussion and networking
mixer left the campus community and alumnae inspired – a testament to the
strength of authenticity, resilience, and mutual support in shaping successful
career journeys in STEM.
Refreshments were provided by the Mighty Oaks Student
Assembly (MOSA) and the Auxiliary Services Corporation.
For more formal and informal opportunities to network, visit
the program schedule at http://www.esf.edu/womenscaucus
