The STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) have historically exhibited a notable gender disparity, with women being underrepresented in many different roles. Only 34% of the workforce in STEM fields are women, with men significantly outnumbering women in most STEM college majors. This disparity is especially pronounced in rapidly growing and high-paying future-oriented fields such as computer science and engineering, where the gender gap is notably wide.
The imbalance stems from a complex mix of social, cultural, and educational factors that have traditionally steered women away from STEM careers. Both implicit and explicit stereotypes and biases often lead to a lack of encouragement and support for girls and women interested in these fields. And the dearth of female role models in STEM definitely exacerbates the issue—and creates a cycle where young women perceive these fields as less welcoming or suitable for them.
But Olga Korosteleva is changing that. She's a renowned business analyst and a successful entrepreneur, and for over 13 years, she has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in the area of STEM innovation management, including the R&D process, assessment of financial feasibility, and commercialization of innovations. Her role as the founder of Inneco, LLC, and majority co-founder of Inneco—SUSU, LLC, in partnership with State University, exemplifies her ability to blend academic research with practical, commercial applications.
She is also a co-owner of multiple "know-how" and invention patents in "green" and energy-saving technologies. Olga's work is characterized by her innovative approach to managing complex projects, notably through the development of her author's framework for innovation management of innovations, which is being prepared for publication in her book "Methodology of Effective Management of Innovation Projects in STEM." Now, Olga works as a business analyst in Houston, Texas.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for joining us; it's a privilege. Can you share what inspired you to venture into the STEM field?
Olga Korosteleva: Thank you for having me. My journey into STEM was driven by curiosity and the desire to solve real-world problems. Since my youth, I've been fascinated by how things work and how they can be improved—especially when resources are limited. The dynamic nature of STEM, where there's always something new to discover and develop, that radically improves people's lives. This opportunity is my inspiration that guided me into this field.
Interviewer: As a woman in STEM, you've undoubtedly faced challenges. Can you share some of these and how you overcame them?
Olga: Certainly. One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming the stereotype that STEM is a male-dominated field. There have been times when my abilities were underestimated. However, I've always believed in proving my worth through my work. I've focused on building a solid knowledge base and demonstrating my skills through successful project outcomes. Networking with other women in STEM and finding mentors has also been invaluable.
Interviewer: Speaking of mentoring, what role has mentorship played in your career?
Olga: Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career. Early on, I was fortunate to find mentors who guided me, provided valuable insights, and opened doors to new opportunities. As I progressed, I realized the importance of paying it forward. Now, I mentor young women entering STEM, offering guidance and support to help them navigate their careers.
A notable example of this is my work with Donnya Zi Piggott, who is the CEO of Pink Coconuts. This pioneering venture is the first global social marketplace aimed at enhancing travel experiences for LGBTQ+ individuals by fostering connections with local communities. Witnessing the substantial growth, strategic advancements, and a remarkable 40% increase in financial projections under her leadership has been a particularly gratifying aspect of my mentoring journey.
Interviewer: Could you share any useful information for women on how to find a membership program?
Olga: Sure! Actually, I have my own mentorship program called the 'EmpowerHer STEM Mentorship Program.' It's open to anyone interested in STEM careers and offers group and one-on-one mentoring, skill development workshops, and connections with STEM professionals. You can find more details and apply on our website at empowerherstem.com. The program's primary goal is to empower and support young women in pursuing successful STEM careers while addressing the gender gap in these fields, both professionally and societally.
Interviewer: You've had a significant role in Inneco—SUSU, LLC. Can you tell us more about your work there and its impact?
Olga: At Inneco—SUSU, LLC, my role was to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application. My team and I focused on assessing innovative projects from State University determining their commercial viability. We gathered innovative concepts, created comprehensive financial and statistical models, conducted in-depth research, assisted in the research and development process, facilitated fundraising efforts, and forged essential commercial partnerships.
Interviewer: You've also been working on your new book involved in innovation management in STEM. What can you tell us about this?
Olga: Absolutely; the upcoming publication of my book is indeed one of the highlights of my career. During over 13 years of experience in the industry, I've helped with the realization of more than 100+ innovations in STEM. I have crafted a distinctive authorial framework focused on actualizing ideas. This book isn't just about crunching numbers or financial analyses; it's a comprehensive guide covering every step of the process, from the initial spark of an idea through financial planning and assessment to the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a prototype. It also delves into the research and development phase, navigates through the complexities of the patenting process, and guides through fundraising strategies, culminating in the successful commercialization of the idea. My aim is to provide a holistic approach to turning concepts into reality.
Interviewer: How do you see the future of women in STEM and innovation?
Olga: I hold a very positive outlook on the future of women in STEM fields. Additionally, being a mother to two incredible daughters, I am personally invested in advocating for STEM as a rewarding career choice. It's encouraging to witness an increasing number of talented women entering and excelling in this area. To maintain and accelerate this trend, the focus should be on education and raising awareness. It's crucial to inspire young girls to delve into STEM subjects early on and to ensure they have access to the necessary resources and support to thrive in these careers. I firmly believe that an inclusive future in STEM is essential, and women are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping this future.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter STEM fields?
Olga: My advice is to be persistent and confident in your abilities. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek mentorship, and take on challenges. Remember that your perspective and skills are valuable and needed in STEM. Also, never stop learning; STEM fields are constantly evolving, and staying informed and adaptable is key to success.
Interviewer: You have mentioned the importance of education in STEM. Why do you put so much emphasis on this?
Olga: My approach emphasizes enhancing economic potential by prioritizing STEM education, skills development, and mentorship, along with the dissemination of high-quality knowledge and ensuring equitable access to these resources, particularly for women and girls. This strategy aims to create sustainable advantages by cultivating a more educated and productive workforce. Such a workforce is not only adept at generating innovative ideas and implementing them but also plays a key role in job creation and the promotion of STEM fields. This holistic approach is instrumental in driving economic growth and development.
Interviewer: As an entrepreneur, what's your approach to fostering a culture of innovation in your teams?
Olga: Fostering a culture of innovation starts with creating an environment where creativity is encouraged, and failure is seen as a learning opportunity. I emphasize open communication, where every team member feels valued and free to share their ideas. We also focus on continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends. This approach not only drives innovation but also helps in the personal and professional growth of the team members.
Interviewer: Finally, what's next for you? Any upcoming projects or goals you're particularly excited about?
Olga: My work is centered on finding new ways to meld technology and innovation across different sectors. Following the publication of my book, I'm embarking on a project powered by AI. This is an AI-based approach designed to streamline the management of STEM projects. By analyzing extensive datasets, this platform uncovers trends and insights, thereby enhancing the efficiency of managing STEM initiatives. The core idea is to inject both efficiency and accuracy into the innovation process, ensuring that projects are inventive, viable, and financially sound. Additionally, I am dedicated to broadening my mentorship initiatives to empower more young women around the world. Also, I work with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to create a pre-incubator network helping people to fulfill their potential. The aim here is to foster a STEM landscape that is both diverse and inclusive, shaping a future where innovation is accessible to all. This aspect of my work is particularly exhilarating and fulfilling.
Interviewer: Olga, it's been enlightening speaking with you. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with us.
Olga: Thank you. It's been a pleasure discussing these important topics, and I hope it inspires more women to pursue their dreams in STEM and innovation.
Olga Korosteleva maintains a strong dedication to mentoring and supporting women in STEM, and she has a rich and laudable background to back her up. Her accomplishments in innovation and business have catapulted her to the position of a respected thought leader in her field, and she's an inspiring figure in the scientific and entrepreneurial communities.
The STEM gender gap limits opportunities for women and hinders the breadth of perspectives and innovation within STEM industries, as diverse teams have been shown to produce more creative and effective solutions. Addressing this disparity is crucial for both gender equality and the advancement of STEM fields, requiring concerted efforts in education, policy, and workplace culture. Women like Olga Korosteleva are seeking to close the gap and promote gender equality across every industry.
Learn more: Empowerherstem.com
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