STEM Gems

This powerful collection introduces 44 remarkable women who've shattered stereotypes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Chemical engineer Stephanie Espy draws from her own MIT and UC Berkeley background to present authentic stories of women thriving in everything from aerospace engineering to computer science. Rather than abstract inspiration, these profiles offer concrete examples of what STEM careers actually look like and how these professionals overcame obstacles. The book directly counters the limited representation of women in technical fields that dominates media and popular culture.

What makes this guide exceptional is its balance of personal narratives with practical career insights—readers discover not just what these women achieved, but how they navigated their educational paths and professional journeys. Teen girls considering STEM fields will find both role models and roadmaps, while educators and parents gain crucial talking points to counter the statistics showing women's underrepresentation in engineering and technology. By making these career paths visible and accessible, this book does the essential work of showing young women that their place in STEM isn't just possible—it's waiting for them.