Advocating for Equity in STEM

We have partnered with ETH Diversity and University of St. Gallen for an important discussion about allyship in tech and STEM. 🎉

Summary

• Date: Tuesday, November 5th 2024, 5 - 7.30 PM
• Location: ETH Zurich (Main Building, HG E3)
• Format: Panel discussion & networking apero, every participant brings a +1 with a different perspective for a balanced conversation

Panelists

• Eugenia Bajet Mestre, Research Assistant in Diversity & Inclusion, University of St. Gallen
• Konrad Weber, Digital Transformation Consultant, WE/MEN & allyship.ch
• Danielle Isler, Anti-Racism & Diversity Education, Universität Bayreuth
• Mathias Keller, HR & Tech Consultant, women++

Description

In this event, we will examine the tricky balance between removing inequalities and transforming systems through allyship - focusing on historically white male-dominated industries and fields such as STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics). How can we achieve a fair, equitable environment for everyone working in STEM?

Equity can only be achieved if we all work together towards a more inclusive future. Allyship is seen as an important piece on that journey. However, when it comes to implementing it in everyday situations, many allies and those who are advocating for equity find themselves in a tricky balance: supporting underrepresented groups to navigate the current environment and culture, and at the same time helping to change a system that often still punishes individuals if they don’t conform to (gender) norms.

In our expert panel, we will dive into the complexity and viability of allyship actions and other diversity efforts, and discuss how allies can help transform existing structures.

This event is for you if:

• You are curious to learn about allyship and how to best advocate for equity yourself.
• You are looking for methods to foster allyship in your organization to increase diversity and inclusion.
• You want to go deeper in your understanding of allyship, its potential and what really makes a difference in everyday life (and what does not).
• You have experienced the tricky balance of allyship yourself (both as an ally or as a member of an underrepresented group), and you'd like to share your learnings.

Every participant needs to bring a +1 with a different perspective (e.g., different gender, ethnicity, social/educational background, etc.). We encourage you to join this event especially if you are critical about the concept of allyship or have experienced this tricky balance.

IMPORTANT: Get a ticket for yourself and a separate ticket for your +1.

Collaboration:

• Hello 50:50 World (event organization & networking apero)
• ETH Diversity (venue sponsor & networking apero)
• IRI, University of St. Gallen (research partner)

Program

• 17:00: Arrival and doors open
• 17:15: Intros & welcome
• 17:30: Panel discussion and Q&A
• 18:30: Networking apero & continued discussions

Panelists

Eugenia Bajet Mestre is a Research Assistant at the University of St. Gallen. She holds a Bachelor's degree in International Business Administration (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) and a Research Master's degree in Social Psychology (Tilburg University). Currently, she is pursuing her PhD at the University of St. Gallen. Led by Prof. Dr. Jamie Gloor, she is part of the Paths to Leadership that Advance Inclusion and Diversity (PLAID) lab. Their research examines how mothers can reframe their role for leadership advantages, the inclusivity of sports/playful networking, and how men’s allyship impacts women’s leadership development. They have also designed and delivered evidence-based allyship training for men executives in Switzerland.

Konrad Weber is a strategy consultant and coach in the field of digital transformation. He advises management boards from large companies to start-ups on the development of new strategies and mentors teams and organizations during far-reaching changes. For more than 15 years, he has worked as a bridge builder between content and technology. Before becoming an independent consultant, he served as a digital strategist at Swiss Public Radio and Television SRF with several years of experience in project management and strategy development. In addition, Weber teaches at various universities in Switzerland and Germany in the areas of digital journalism, innovation methods and strategy development. Weber studied journalism and communication in Winterthur, design thinking in Potsdam and digital management in London.

Danielle Isler is a researcher and a doctoral candidate at the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies researching ‘Black Subjectivities and Whitened Spaces in Post-Apartheid Cape Town’. In addition to her doctorate, she is active in educational work critical of racism, holds workshops and offers consulting to promote a more inclusive society. Danielle Isler is also an artist and musician and can be seen on stage from time to time.

Moderation

Taisha Fabricius, Technology Leader at Esri, Hello 50:50 World Ambassador

Price

The event is free with an optional donation (recommended contribution is 10 CHF/person). The donations are used to cover parts of the expenses for this event (e.g., apero).

Please be aware that we will take pictures during the event which can be published on our website and social media channels and can be reused for marketing purposes at a later stage.