Dr. Sandra Johnson, a groundbreaking electrical engineer and entrepreneur, is the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer engineering. Her journey from a high school introduction to engineering to her current roles as a former IBM CTO and a board member for several companies is a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of unique challenges.

The book Soft Power for the Journey: The Life of a STEM Trailblazer is a fascinating story of the remarkable life arc of a resilient person from an underprivileged background who persistently overcomes whatever odds.

The discussion delves into her groundbreaking achievements, her passion for aiding technology entrepreneurs of African descent, and her new memoir detailing her inspiring career. Join us as we explore the intricacies of serving on corporate boards and the importance of mentorship and legacy in STEM.

What do we talk about in this episode?

1. Insights on Serving on Boards
2. Facing Adversity and Finding Strength
3. Family Influence and Strong Women
4. Writing the Memoir: Soft Power for the Journey
5. The Role of Mentoring and Networking

Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio

You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887

Resources:

Soft Power for the Journey: The Life of a STEM Trailblazer

National Association of Corporate Directors: https://www.nacdonline.org/

Grace Hopper Conference: https://ghc.anitab.org/

Connect with Dr. Sandra Johnson
Sandra K. Johnson, Ph.D.
Linkedin- Sandra K Johnson, Ph.D.

Sheila Buswell is the founder and CEO of Buswell Biomedical. Sheila's story is fascinating as she transitions from roles in mechanical engineering and as an army technician to becoming an innovator in the biomedical field, inspired by her own injury experiences.

We dive into imposter syndrome, women's unique challenges in STEM, and the balancing act required in entrepreneurship. Sheila also shares insights from her book, "Is This Seat for Me?" highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and seeking support in male-dominated fields. This episode is packed with valuable insights into career resilience and the systemic challenges women encounter in the tech industry.

What do we talk about in this episode?

1. How Upward Mobility Device Works. A device that uses a person's power combined with artificial intelligence to aid rehabilitation activities.
2. Her journey from education to military service ultimately inspired her to start Buswell Biomedical.
3. Her battle with imposter syndrome, which led her to write a book on the topic while starting her business.
4. Her challenges in securing venture capital highlight the statistics that reflect the difficulties women face in this area.
5. Exploring Layoffs and Diversity in the Workplace

Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio

You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887

Resources:

Golden Triangle Angel Networks one of Canada’s most active and longest-established angel investment clubs.

Learn more about it here- Episode 112 – Sherry Shannon – Vanstone

A lack of parental leave policies also disproportionately impacts women in STEM, with 43% of women in STEM careers leaving their full-time job within 4-7 years of having their first child, compared to only 23% of men. - The Business Journal

Connect with Sheila Buswell

• Book: Is the Seat For Me?
• Buswell Biomedical
• Linkedin- Sheila Buswell

Sarah Garcia is a Project Executive and Director of DEI at Novo Construction. She is a civil engineer who has worked in the construction industry for most of her career. She is passionate about getting women and other minorities into the construction industry and has seen firsthand the progress companies can make when they invest in DEI programs. Sarah has a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering.

What do we talk about in this episode?

1. Civil engineering and how that fits into the construction industry.
2. The lack of women in the construction industry and how that is changing, specifically at the company Sarah works for.
3. Motherhood and the importance of being role models for girls going into STEM.
4. Sarah's experience in the construction industry throughout her 30+ year career.

Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio

You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887

Resources

Girls Garage is a design and construction school for girls and gender-expansive youth ages 9-18. Founded in 2013, Girls Garage is the first-ever design and building workshop for female-identifying youth in the United States. (https://girlsgarage.org)

35% of STEM professionals are women.

17% of engineers are women.

4% of trades professionals are women.