News

News

#DayoftheGirl

#DayoftheGirl

Celebrating our women in #STEM.  Encouraging the success of future generations.

International Day of the Girl is recognized annually worldwide on October 11th.  In 2011, the United Nations declared this international holiday “to help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.” 

Female empowerment is a part of everyday life at Suburban Testing Labs (STL).  STL’s workforce comprises of greater than 50% women, and women are at all levels of the company.  From entry level positions to Senior Leadership, and everywhere between, female professionals thrive among their male counterparts.  Women receive equal pay, and have the same opportunities available to them as their male peers.   STL employs cross generational women from various backgrounds – millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers.  They are committed to equality for all employees.

However, equality in the workforce isn’t the case at all companies in the United States and abroad.  According to dayofthegirl.org, there are currently 3 million STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Math) jobs in the United States.  The organization goes on to say that less than 25% of those jobs are held by women.  In the engineering field alone, the number is only 13%.  And that trend isn’t unique to Engineering.

Girls need prominent female role models to encourage them to enter the STEM fields, according to dayofthegirl.org.  We wondered what some of STL’s female leaders would say to encourage young girls today to pursue careers the STEM Field, being that they work in a company dominated by female leaders.

“I think the best piece of advice is to be confident in yourself,” said Betsy Shultz.  “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

“Seek out opportunities to learn from STEM professionals: job shadow, intern, volunteer,” said Sarah Purtell, Quality Director.  “It’s the best way to get a real-world look at what your future could hold and can help you feel more confident in your decision.”

Jessica Roberts serves as Supply Chain Manager, and her advice would be to “go for it!  Many inspirational women have paved the way for young girls to continue to discover, create, and innovate in the various STEM fields.  New concepts are waiting for curious and innovative minds to unlock, and who knows?  You may have the next big idea brewing in your brilliant brain!”

“Young girls need confident leaders in the STEM fields to encourage them,” stated Sara Stump, Director of Marketing.  “I try to show my young daughter and my son that there are real life examples of these role models around them all the time.  As adults, I don’t want them to even consider gender as a part of the equation. It’s just about who is qualified to do the job.”

Suburban Testing Labs has had record setting year-over-year growth, and Ms. Stump believes a diverse workforce is a key success factor.

“I think having people at the table making decisions with different backgrounds and experience lends itself to a more creative discussion, and decision-making outcome,” Stump remarked.

Thank you to all of our great female team members, and to the men who serve alongside them.  It’s because of you that Suburban Testing Labs is a great place to work!