STEM is a section of formal education that focuses on four core disciplines: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM was encouraged to have future American generations prepared in hopes to improve the infrastructure of the nation.

As of 2019, 19.1 million workers were employed as STEM majors, with women making up only 28% of those numbers. STEM is a field that encapsulates the basic needs of society: doctors, engineers, scientists, computer programmers, and more. These individuals hold up the material infrastructure of modern society. Just like many other work fields, there is a gender gap in STEM due to prevalent misogyny.

To work against the  misogyny in the field, society must uplift women in the STEM field. The Explorer spoke with four incredibly inspiring female Coronado residents who are pursuing STEM.

STEM is foundational to Nurse Karla Marquez-Ortiz’s life. Taking care of the ill is amongst one of humanity’s oldest professions. Being a nurse meant mastering different skills such as administering patient care and a fundamental study of science. But like many women in healthcare, she too was subject to the jeers and negativity of men in the field.

“Unfortunately, I have experienced discrimination during my nursing career,” Marquez-Ortiz said. “I, however, believe that it made me stronger and work harder.”

Senior Christina Li views STEM as being the foundation of what society is built on.

The reality of being an ambitious young woman in STEM is unfortunately that of having to constantly prove yourself against a wall of expectations, typically more standards than men must face. For Christina, STEM is vitally important as she’s pursuing a career in the field.

“I think STEM is really relevant to all aspects of our lives because it drives technology, innovation and the foundation of our society is built on STEM,” Li said. “Like math and science, it’s how we create new medicines, how we examine and analyze the stock market, it’s extremely relevant and important to our society.”

Senior Isabella Boncser shared with the Explorer her purpose for entering the STEM field.

Boncser’s goal is to become a physical therapist, as she’s always had an interest in science.

After she took time and conducted research, Bonscer discovered that only 2.3% of physical therapists are Latinas and she’s determined to increase that percentage. Like many women in a male-dominated, incredibly competitive field such as STEM, Boncser has experienced misogyny and doubts despite excelling at what she does. It might have lessened in extremity, but she feels as if she’s gotten used to having her work questioned.

“STEM is really important to me, especially in my field [physical therapy], there’s numerous technological advancements that still need to happen to better a patient’s life,” Bonscer said.

Senior Tess Mansfield is streamlining her future towards STEM, a path that began with her family. Her family predominantly worked in the medical field, which influenced her aspirations. Mansfield’s interests lie in the science and math portions, as it’s something that’s enjoyable for her.

“Recognizing the value of women in STEM is intrinsic to fighting against discrimination,” Mansfield said. “Leadership positions are typically filled by men.”

Mansfield, like many other women in the field, has a hope to expand to a society where women can make a bigger impact not only in STEM but any role. Leadership is still an area where many women are often doubted, usually because of the notion that men are biologically more qualified to be leaders than women, who are characterized as submissive. Mansfield believes more women in positions of leadership is key to changing that.

STEM is foundational to society, yet women are still excluded and discriminated against in this field. Successful students such as Christina Li and Isabella Boncser are examples of how intelligence and talent are at times ignored and doubted in lieu of irrelevant categories such as gender. Although this is disheartening, the determination of these young women will pave a new path for future generations. The generation of young women today resolute to join the STEM field will shine as a beacon of light to future female generations. The sky is just the limit for these ambitious individuals.