Women in STEM Panel Celebrates Diverse Career Journeys

Jill Rahn, Erica Wood, Sue Fassler, and Katherine Hobbs

SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 24, 2026 — The ESF Women’s Caucus hosted an intimate and energizing Women in STEM Panel Discussion and Mixer this week, bringing together students, employees, and alumni for an evening of candid storytelling, mentorship, and community building. Four accomplished ESF alumnae in science and sustainability fields shared personal, diverse career journeys – highlighting how perseverance, authenticity, and community support helped them navigate their education and professional development.

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.”

Self‑Care and Balance Are Essential: Speakers urged students to protect their well‑being, honor personal boundaries, and recognize that careers unfold in seasons. Wood reminded the audience that “Activism and STEM careers alike can be draining, so make sure you refill your own cup. In a world that often demands women to work harder for equal recognition, sometimes rest is a form of resistance. If you need to rest, listen to your body and rest.” 

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