Covington’s London office hosted a panel discussion on women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industries as part of our Diversity Speaker Series. Speakers at the event included:
- Sarah Foxall, Acting Head of Corporate Affairs at Microsoft. Sarah leads Microsoft’s UK public policy and corporate responsibility work, and specializes in computer science, education, digital apprenticeships, and careers with tech. She is passionate about gender equality, particularly in STEM, and is actively engaged in programs to improve the experience of computing for girls at school.
- Lori Castillo Martinez, VP & Compliance Officer, Global Procurement and Sourcing, ClarusOne & McKesson Ireland. Lori has spearheaded many of McKesson’s compliance and ethics programs, and previously served as a compliance and ethics leader in the technology sector for other companies.
- Emma Kent, Director of Construction Property Services, Commercial & Financial Directorate at the Metropolitan Police Services. Emma is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer with over 10 years’ experience in the construction industry, who has worked to raise the profile of women in STEM for over 15 years—from founding the Women in Engineering Society at the University of Nottingham, to running women’s leadership network “Urbanistas.” Her current work with the Institution of Civil Engineers focuses on attracting a more diverse pipeline of talent into the leadership.
Women in Education and the Workplace
The discussion began with reflection on the speakers’ experiences in STEM industries and the current position of women in STEM industries. The panelists considered the pace of progress for female representation and explored systemic issues affecting the pipeline of girls studying STEM subjects at university. The discussion progressed to explore issues affecting the women who enter STEM industries, considering potential challenges and differences in the ways candidates are sponsored and championed. The panelists reflected on their personal experiences and initiatives they have participated in to promote diversity and inclusion, including strategies for ensuring that girls and women have the same opportunities, and provided examples of particular initiatives that are making a positive impact. After the formal panel, a lively discussion continued over drinks and canapés.
Key Takeaways
Systemic and cultural issues continue to narrow the pipeline of diverse talent in STEM professions, from childhood education to the boardroom, and although many industry and corporate initiatives seek to address these issues, there is still work to be done. Covington is committed to facilitating and promoting progress in relation to diversity and inclusion, along with our allies in the corporate and public sectors. One element of our work in this field involves inviting diversity thought leaders to speak with our attorneys about ways to further facilitate and promote diversity and inclusion through our Diversity Speaker Series.
We are proud to have hosted these inspirational leaders as part of our work to address these issues, and were motivated by their passion and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM.
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