Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM is one of, if not the fastest-growing field in the last few decades. STEM is a broad term used to group together these academic disciplines. This term is typically used when addressing education policy and curriculum choices in schools to improve competitiveness in science and technology development. It has implications for workforce development, national security concerns and immigration policy. STEM is a major component in the industries of DoD, NASA, Legislation, and several others. While this rapidly growing field is seeing more people shift into this lane of study, there is still a very wide gender gap of those in the field. This week on The Malliard Report, Jim welcomes a guest that is blazing quite a trail for others to follow in the STEM field.
On this episode Jim features Priyanka Komala; podcast host, keynote speaker, and STEM advocate to discuss what it looks like to be a woman in the STEM field. “At age five Priyanka gave an impromptu speech about an aeroplane which catapulted her into becoming the distinguished speaker she is today. She is the host and producer of the Curryup Startup podcast to spotlight Asian leaders and inspiring people. Although she had followed the cultural expectation of getting a Masters to become an engineer and technologist, Priyanka knew she wanted to make a bigger impact. She wanted a seat at the table to help others, so she got her MBA. At the US National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, she serves as a Technology leader in digital transformation projects. She is passionate about using technology as an enabler to help scientists communicate effectively to varied audiences and is hosting a podcast at the academies #oceanpod featuring eminent scientists from around the globe. Priyanka has been featured on Huffington Post, InPower, Toastmasters International Magazine, and HelloGiggles and has been invited to speak at ACT-W national conference in Phoenix, ACT-W Boston Keynote, Women in Tech DC summit, Women in Technology, Girls in Technology, INROADS, YuvaShakthi, served as the Vice President of DC Web Women and was previously on the board of Byte Back Next Generation Council.”
Priyanka is an incredible guest, and a true trail blazer in her field. It is a fantastic opportunity to have her on the show and it is recommended that her work be checked out. You can follow her on her website priyankakomala.com or on Twitter @PodStartup. For all things Malliard head over to malliard.com where you can catch up on past shows, sign up for the newsletter, grab some merch, and jump into the live chat with the “Duckpond” every Tuesday night 9 P.M. EST. Follow Jim on all social media platforms @malliard and make sure to rate on your favorite podcasting app.
