Today's Womens HERstory highlight is Lock 3, Program Manager
Sally Sayles-Hannon, Ph.D.!
Read a little about Sally below:
Q.) Title/How Long have you worked with ERIE21?
A.) 3 years
Q.) What do you think is the biggest issue women in tech/industry are facing today?
A.) Equity and inclusivity, hands down. Women's overall workforce representation is double their representation in the technology industry. Tech "culture" has not shaken it's gender exclusivity, maternal/parental support must improve, and the gender pay gap (especially for women of color) continues to be a slowly dealt with inequity.
Q.) What are your hopes for the future of STEM and gender diversity in the tech industry?
A.) Ultimately, I want young girls/women to embark on STEM paths without hesitations. Being a parent/mother shouldn't be a choice one has to make over their careers--over their dreams and ambitions.
Q.) What women inspire you and why?
A.) Women inspire me everyday. The women I work with, the numerous compassionate and fearless female entrepreneurs/researchers/teachers/working mothers/stay-at-home mothers (big props!), and, ultimately, the unrelenting determination and persistence so many women exhibit in the midst of great adversity.
Q.) What are you most proud of in your work with ERIE21?
A.) Being part of ERIE21's creation, scope, and impact. Our program's purpose is to not only impact the lives of the students NOW, but to create generational change--reverberations that create successful paths and opportunities well beyond the parameters of ERIE21's goals today.
Q.)What do you like to do for fun?
A.) I love the Great Lakes. As a Michigander (always at heart), the Great Lakes (especially Superior) are awe inspiring to me. As a New Yorker, though, I find music to be soothing and one of the second most community-building experiences (second to food!) we can participate in--live music brings me great joy.
Q.) What do you feel is your greatest life achievement thus far?
A.) Without hesitation my 2 children, Levi and Asher. They exhaust me a lot of the time, but they also keep me going, encourage me, and give me hope for the future.
Q.) Tell us something fun and interesting about you?
A.) I used to be quite a good clarinet player. I was the color guard and forensic team captain in high school. I've earned a Competent Toastmaster (CTM) Certificate.
Q.) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A.) Providing and creating equitable opportunities for diverse learners that work toward breaking down systemic barriers of inequality.
Q.) If you could share any form of advice to the younger version of yourself, what would it be?
A.) Having a plan is purposeful, but don't let it immobilize you. Stops, starts, and detours are important points along our journey that don't always make sense or seem fair at the time. Making it to our destination/goal is unfulfilling, however, if we get there at the sacrifice of living a good, meaningful, and healthy life.
VP | Personal Investing | Managed Solutions
1moSO GLAD you brought her! What a cool event (and time with Dad, to boot)!