Chapter Hosts Women in STEM Panel Discussion

In March, Stephanie Hutch, leader, AFCEA International Women's Subcommittee and Women's Outreach, Greater Boston, welcomed guests to the chapter's "Women in STEM" panel discussion presented in partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lincoln Laboratory. Panelists included Melissa Flagg, regional lead, U.S. Army Research Laboratory Northeast; Col. Amanda Kato, program executive officer, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Nuclear Command, Control and Communications; Joyce Sidopoulos, a founding member, MassRobotics and community manager, Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council; and Gretchen Stewart, director of high performance computing, Intel Corporation. Discussion focused on the important role diversity plays in successful organizations, particularly within or directly supporting the Department of Defense. Topics included how each panelist came to their respective STEM fields; their experiences as "the only woman with a seat at the table"; perceived or actual obstacles each overcame during their careers; and the role of mentorship for mentors and mentees.