IEEE Podcast Amplifies Women’s Voices, Tackles Challenges in STEM
A new podcast from IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) is providing a crucial platform for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, addressing issues from work-life balance to building a strong professional presence.
For anyone navigating today’s rapidly evolving STEM fields, visibility, authenticity, and connection are no longer optional-they are essential. Recognizing a gap in resources for STEM professionals, notably women, seeking to fully express themselves, build networks, and lead wiht confidence, IEEE WIE recently launched a podcast series designed to inspire and ignite change.
The series aims to amplify the diverse experiences of women in STEM,moving beyond purely technical discussions to explore the human side of innovation. Episodes delve into navigating burnout, balancing career ambitions with personal well-being, and building enduring careers. The initiative is driven by a dedicated team of volunteers and staff.
“in the early days of planning, our vision was just a spark shared among passionate volunteers eager to shape each episode and guest experience,” explained Geetika Tandon, cochair of the IEEE WIE podcast subcommittee. “Seeing our podcast grow from those first conversations into a vibrant reality has been truly rewarding. We can’t wait for it to expand further.”
Kelly onu, also cochair, added, “I’m excited that we’ve brought the drawings on our whiteboard and day planners to life.” New episodes are released on the third Wednesday of each month.
Navigating the Demands of Motherhood and Innovation
The podcast’s inaugural episode, “Moms Who Innovate,” debuted in May and featured conversations with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, founder of African Women in STEM, and Cassie Leonard, aerospace professional and founder of ELMM Coaching. Leonard is also the author of STEM Moms: Design, Build, and Test to Create the Work-life of Your Dreams.
Moderated by Onu,the discussion centered on the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. Both guests emphasized how their engineering backgrounds informed their approach to motherhood and community building, highlighting the importance of establishing a robust support system. Leonard shared how she actively “engineered her neighborhood” to facilitate shared responsibilities like school drop-offs and after-school care.
According to Tandon, the podcast’s overarching mission is to “shine a spotlight on the real-life adventures (and occasional misadventures) of women in STEM. We want to share late-night brainstorms,coffee-fueled breakthroughs,and the moment when someone finally figures out how to unmute themselves on virtual meeting platforms.”
The podcast also features guidance from Kane, author of The pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations, offering guidance on navigating arduous workplace conversations. The podcast also acknowledges a concerning trend: a study revealing that as many as 50 percent of women leave their STEM careers within five years.
IEEE WIE is already observing the podcast’s positive impact, with listeners reporting that it provides not only advice but also a sense of connection and validation. The podcast currently reaches audiences in Canada, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United States, and Onu hopes to expand its global footprint.
“I hope this podcast hops across continents, sneaks into earbuds everywhere, and becomes a trusty sidekick in women’s STEM journeys-cheering them on as they conquer equations, break barriers, and maybe even invent a robot that makes perfect coffee,” Tandon said. “As the podcast series grows, our mission is to shine a spotlight on the real-life adventures (and occasional misadventures) of women in STEM. We want to share late-night brainstorms,coffee-fueled breakthroughs,and the moment when someone finally figures out how to unmute themselves on virtual meeting platforms.”
Through personal stories, inspiring journeys, and the leadership of trailblazing women, IEEE WIE is celebrating the resilience, ingenuity, and brilliance of women in STEM. Whether a student embarking on a STEM career, a mid-career professional seeking clarity, or a leader committed to giving back, the podcast offers a space to learn, reflect, and collectively rise.
