Students interested in data science and statistics gathered on October 4th to hear University of Illinois alumni and faculty speak on their experiences as women in these industries. 

The event, held by the Department of Statistics’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, aimed to create an environment where attendees could discuss and reflect on the visibility of women in STEM. 

The four featured panelists represented a variety of data science careers, from education to product performance analytics, and have worked at companies like Meta and Viatris. 

Dr. Julie Deeke is a Teaching Assistant Professor with the Department of Statistics and spoke at the event. She emphasized the importance of seeing yourself represented in your line of work.

“I have a family and try to pursue my own hobbies outside of work – and it's been so helpful for me to see role models who also fill many roles while also continuing to be successful in their career,” Deeke said. “Without that representation and the candor of these role models, it would have been really hard for me to see a path forward in the field.”

The speakers also touched on the imposter syndrome, or self-doubt of skills and accomplishments, that many women in data science deal with during the course of their professional lives.

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Anita Chan, Julie Deeke, Kinyetta Nance, and Lida Tetyusheva speak to students interested in statistics and data science about their experiences in these fields.

A sense of belonging fosters confidence, and smaller numbers of women and minorities in the field may make it difficult for these groups to feel as though they fit in with their peers. One Pew Research study found that women make up less than half of the workforce in computer- and math-related fields.

But panelists said that finding allies within the workplace can create a support system for when things get tough.

“Relying on your own self-confidence and perseverance as well as the support from others in your community, both professionally and personally, seem to be common ways to respond to these challenges and are great skills to start practicing now,” Deeke said. 

Lida Tetyusheva is a recent University of Illinois graduate and current Senior Specialist at Viatris. She was also a panelist at the event. 

Even early in her career, she wants to encourage women to pursue their passions. The positive impact makes it all worthwhile. 

“We see time and time again that diversity in any field is beneficial for growth, and women in data science are not an exception,” Tetyusheva said. 

Anita Chan, an Associate Professor in the School of Information Science and Department of Media and Cinema Studies, echoed that women are crucial to developments in the field. 

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Graduate student Anushree Udhayakumar asks panelists for advice on the job search after graduation.

“The fact that the field is changing, so much of it has to do with what women and minoritized, non-traditional researchers bring to the practice,” Chan said. 

She also talked about the importance of celebrating your wins.

“Sometimes, and this might sound a little weird, but sometimes I’ll go to the park or a forest to bring things to a new tempo, refresh and recoup, and give myself space to reflect on my accomplishments,” Chan said. 

For Kinyetta Nance – a Design Researcher and Technologist – that celebration looks a little different.

“Women are sometimes too humble, they don’t talk about their accomplishments enough,” Nance said. “Sometimes to celebrate myself I’ll get a box of Crumbl Cookies or book a trip. But it’s always important to share those wins with your support system.”

Above all, the women advised attendees to keep their heads up and understand that they have a place in STEM fields, regardless of what others may say.

“There are people who will try to discourage you. Hear the noise, but don’t be swayed by it. You are part of the change to make your field into what you want to see,” Nance said. 

The DEI Committee hopes to hold similar programming in the future to help students explore all the options available to them once they leave the University.

“We recognize the thorny history of the field of statistics and understand that attempts to adjust and correct are difficult and not always straight-lined,” Chris Kinson, DEI Chair, said. “As a DEI committee, we want to continue doing the hard work of increasing the quantity and quality of pathways for students, faculty, and staff to be successful in statistics and data science.

The event was the second of its kind and garnered over 80 attendees.