By Nitasha Chopra, SciTech Institute Board Member & VP/COO BizApps @Microsoft

Why do women in STEM matter? Because the future of innovation depends on who gets to imagine it. When we empower young women as leaders today, we’re not just shaping their futures—we’re unlocking limitless possibilities for generations to come.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s a time to reflect on progress, recognize challenges, and commit to action. The persistent gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields isn’t new, but the solutions must be bold and intentional. It’s a multifaceted issue that requires us to take a close look at education, mentorship, and culture. To foster a future where gender equity in STEM is the norm, it’s essential to create environments where young women feel empowered to explore, lead, and innovate.

As a leader in the high-tech industry, my career has been shaped by the opportunities I’ve seized along the way—opportunities that fueled my growth and opened new doors. This experience is what inspired me to give back through the SciTech Institute, helping create similar pathways for the next generation. Programs like the Chief Science Officers (CSO) program, spearheaded by SciTech Institute, are paving the way to help make that vision a reality.

Women represent only 28% of the workforce in STEM, and gender gaps are especially high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid fields, like computer science and engineering. (Source: UNESCO). I firmly believe that moving this needle requires role models and leaders the young population is able to relate to – this is what is fostered through the CSO program.

The CSO program is unique in its approach to STEM education. It empowers middle and high school students by giving them real roles as science and technology ambassadors in their communities. These students take on active leadership in promoting STEM initiatives, attending professional development workshops, and engaging in real-world projects that challenge them to apply their skills in meaningful ways.

These STEM youth leaders also streamline connections to local STEM professionals and organizations, working with these entities to build STEM awareness and workforce skills. CSOs function as unified regional cabinets, engaging in local, regional, and national STEM conversations to create a positive perception of STEM (or STEAM when the arts are included), transform school and community culture, and broaden STEM participation.

Why Chief Science Officers Matter for Young Women in STEM

For young women, representation and mentorship in STEM can be transformative. The CSO program makes a special effort to reach underrepresented groups, ensuring a wide range of voices are part of the conversation. Here’s why this matters:

1. Developing Confidence Early: Studies show that self-efficacy—belief in one’s own abilities—plays a critical role in STEM retention for women. By providing opportunities for leadership at a young age, the CSO program encourages girls to envision themselves as future scientists, engineers, and tech leaders.
2. Creating Community and Belonging: The CSO network creates a powerful peer community that supports girls interested in STEM. Through collaboration and team projects, young women build bonds and feel a sense of belonging in fields where they’re often underrepresented. CSOs are able to connect with alumni of the program to create a lasting network of supportive women in STEM.
3. Building Advocacy and Communication Skills: CSOs learn how to advocate for STEM in their schools and communities and implement change through their Action Plans. These communication skills are critical as they progress in their careers, giving them a voice to initiate change within their future workplaces and communities.

The CSO Program in Action

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a CSO event where students, many of whom were young women, presented their innovative projects and shared their ambitions. From tackling local environmental challenges to raising awareness about AI’s role in daily life, these students are using their platform to address real-world issues.

Each CSO must complete an Action Plan. The purpose of the Action Plan is for the student to explore a passion or interest in a particular area of STEM and how they can solve a problem, address an issue, or enrich the STEM culture in their own communities. Below are examples of CSO plans in action:

• CSO Samia (OH): Created a STEM club at her school to bring awareness to environmental advocacy. Advocating for a healthier planet benefits everyone with cleaner air, water, and soil.
• CSO Mica (AZ): Led a STEM demonstration on energy at the Science Vortex and local schools through the Science Is Fun program in Phoenix.
• CSO Sreepadha (GA): Worked with a neuroscientist on a six-week program educating youth on the relationship between neurology and cardiology, exploring both physical and mental health aspects.

Young Women in STEM Share Their Journeys

CSO Kinsley (MI) – Middle School:
 “This program is important in promoting women in STEM in so many ways. Being a CSO has helped me flex my leadership skills, grow as a communicator, and gain confidence in my ability to make a difference. The CSO program has sparked my love for STEM, and now I can carry that flame with my peers and fellow women.”

CSO Sophia (CA) – High School:
 “The CSO program pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me grow as a leader, and opened up incredible opportunities like attending national conferences and leading STEM fairs. I am now more passionate than ever about creating change and inspiring other young women to step into leadership roles in STEM.”

Bianca Lorraine Osterling – CSO Alum, Stanford University:
“STEM promises you the world, and the CSO program puts that promise right in your hands. As a CSO, I learned that STEM is not an unreachable dream—it is a reality that I could shape and contribute to. The CSO program empowered me to take action, believe in my potential, and create meaningful change.”

Driving Systemic Change: A Call to Action

Programs like CSO are essential in shaping a future where more girls can see themselves as leaders in STEM. But we need to take these efforts even further by:

• Supporting Programs That Build Leadership in STEM for Young Women: Corporations, educational institutions, and local governments can make a real difference by investing in programs that make leadership development part of STEM education.
• Encouraging Mentorship and Real-World Exposure: Early exposure to real-world applications and professional mentors can make all the difference. Let’s commit to providing mentorship opportunities to young CSOs to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
• Building a Network of Allies and Advocates: By championing programs like the CSO, we create a ripple effect that supports girls in every community. Let’s make STEM a place where everyone feels they belong.

I firmly believe that with strong leadership skills and hands-on experience, these students are not only breaking barriers for themselves but also laying the foundation for future generations. Empowering young women through programs like the Chief Science Officers initiative is more than an investment in their potential—it’s a critical step toward building a more inclusive and innovative future.

As someone dedicated to fostering inclusive opportunities in STEM, I’m proud to support programs that make it possible for young women to imagine, explore, and achieve. Let’s continue investing in their journeys—because they are our next generation of innovators, scientists, and change-makers.