OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 25
Cover
inside or outside of the workspace; it was implied that I should
be content that I had 'made it that far.'
What the outsiders didn't quite understand is that there
was another side to this that was not nearly as obvious. As I
remember it, the general unapologetic mode of operation
was that the best opportunities should go to those who were
well established within the historic community, those whose
ancestors gave 'sweat and blood' to build what exists. It was
protectionism at its finest in the 21st century and I knew that
wasn't right or just.
Q.
What did you learn from that situation?
Looking back, the best part about that workspace was the
people. Their breadth of experience was remarkable - I have
made lifelong friendships as a result. This opportunity actually
became a building block that served as an invaluable benefit to
my unique career path.
I learned a few things from working there. I learned that
mentorship is important. As much as I didn't appreciate the
way promotions occurred, I recognized that what was viewed
as 'insider information' was really the result of conversations
and bonds forged from unofficial career reviews with the
perspective of hindsight. It is the mentor's opportunity to help
and the mentee's opportunity to benefit - benefits which,
if properly directed can result in significant differences in
economics.
I learned that despite the protectionism, those being promoted
had a similar outlook toward people and life as the managers. I
learned that these similarities had little to do with gender and
race and more to do with their 'comfort level.' I learned that
there are some people who allow themselves to be limited by
their own experiences, impressions, and societal stereotypes
associated with minorities and 'weaknesses' of women to be
objective in management positions. I learned that people who
have never been marginalized are unaware of when they are
marginalizing someone else. I also learned that when and if
they do become aware, some have far too much pride to rectify
their actions.
The evidence speaks for itself; society defines success by
where/how you work, your education, marital status, and what
you do during non-paid time. In every workplace, educational
institution, activities I engaged in, the difference between those
who survived and those who didn't was their ability to override
deeply preprogrammed and preconditioned responses to
events that could sometimes only be described as personal
attacks.
I am very happy with life and my experiences. I do ask that as we
raise our children to love their neighbours and to grow in love
and acceptance that these lessons are fortunate reminders of
factors impacting diversity in a place where stereotypes are
often perpetuated.
Q.
What practical steps can educators, legislators
and employers take to make engineering a more
welcoming profession for everyone?
Educators can help by ensuring that all children are equally
exposed to STEM topics and by directing them to resources that
foster their interests.
Legislators can help by pushing to eliminate streaming or
phasing in schools to ensure all kids (regardless of race or
gender) have equal access to information and math skills and
continue to be stimulated by those who are more or less aware
than they are.
Employers can help by providing worthy opportunities to
all diverse groups, and by establishing audited mentorship
programs so that everyone has an equal opportunity for
advancement.
Gratefully, any 'negative' experiences I've endured have been
in the minority and history has shown their influence has done
little to alter my path. While my intention is to share messages
of hope, love, comfort, and support, I am also a realist. I believe
for our next generation of engineers to succeed and function
effectively in this country it is equally important to not be
dismissive of the facts.
Finally, until as a society we overcome only valuing those we
know, or who look and sound like us, we will continue to stand
still. And standing still is not how we move forward.
The evidence speaks for itself; society defines
success by where/how you work, your education, marital
status, and what you do during non-paid time. In every
workplace, educational institution, activities I engaged in,
the difference between those who survived and those who
didn't was their ability to override deeply preprogrammed and
preconditioned responses to events that could sometimes
only be described as personal attacks.
December 2017
The VOICe
25
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of OSPE - The Voice - December 2017
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - Cover1
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - Cover2
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - Table of Contents
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 4
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 5
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 6
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 7
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 8
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 9
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 10
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 11
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 12
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 13
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 14
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 15
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 16
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 17
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 18
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 19
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 20
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 21
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 22
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 23
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 24
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 25
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 26
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 27
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 28
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 29
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 30
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 31
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 32
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 33
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 34
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 35
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 36
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 37
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - 38
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - Cover3
OSPE - The Voice - December 2017 - Cover4
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