ern-inspired self, speaking in your own rhythm and cadence, loudly should do it. And unwilling anymore to adopt insecure based speech patterns, “does that make sense,” embrace stereotypes of the angry Black woman, and stand with the crowd that is willing to ignore your differences, ignore you, you emerge “self-accepted” and therefore demanding to be recognized. Some WOC’s approach has been to find a comfy, hiding spot away from the spotlight, others have grown into themselves, toward the sun finding community. Potentially more common in STEM spaces, WOC also balance warming to other communities. Working from home freed many from lunch table topics they find it a stretch to even relate to. It also meant missing some conversations about strategy, that you might not otherwise be privy to. And as a layer cake, there is the dynamic among brethren where there are unspoken adoptions or rejection, labels as ally or opponent placing you on a tightrope. It might surprise some entering the space to know promotions, advancement and introductions aren’t compulsory. So, navigating all of this is, well, part of it. Recognizing allies when you’re in spaces of low representation is key. And those allies might or might not look like you. This is knowledge we all swallow as the era of favors-owed leaves a

bad taste on the tongue. Allyship isn’t necessarily corruption. A coordinated approach means we don't have to discover them independently, we can utilize an existing network to learn from others stories. How can you prepare for what you don’t know is coming?

In STEM there is often an unexpected call for creativity and inquisitiveness, traits many of us were discouraged from displaying, that would prove to be essential. They become our currency and equity in various dynamics. This equity highlights shared strength rather than shared need — which for some, appears to be a new concept. We demonstrate those innate abilities in product creation, and team dynamic as well as for strategy, and more, to figure out how to send the elevator down to those just starting. And for entry-level WOC in STEM, that creativity and knowledge of what’s possible can help those whose shoulders upon which we stand develop exit strategies, lateral moves or new founder journeys. Remembering you aren’t alone is the revelation. We are part of the largest and oldest network, as a woman of color in STEM. Sure, formally studying the subjects and coming away with particular documentation to acknowledge our institutional affiliation may be new, but the thinking that it takes to innovate,

As potential employees, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate institutions who are forthright about historical acts of oppression or indifference, or punish them, by simply accepting the other job offer, or not. We should take that choice and wield it as the power it is, building, with every decision we make the world we want to live in. How can we push gently at institutions nudging toward social justice, despite the foundations having mixed origins, evolving this society without fully dismantling it? Then standing upright having pulled as much as possible up by our proverbial bootstraps, we seek to find what’s the proper balance between self-empowerment, an essential connection to community, and what we might receive as reconciliation. Only in that light can we successfully navigate the shifting landscape of a going flat corporate vision, bond with our “sistern” and relax into the STEM space enjoying a guilt free view of the bay, wearing a kufi and a kimono, drinking a cup of coffee.

Ebony is a studied writer, trained graphic designer and professional Market and User Experience Researcher. She enjoys exploring the scientific method as it occurs in everyday life.