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Diversity in STE A M www.diversityinsteam.com
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t may be unfortunate but this is a stereotype were all familiar with - you know, the one where a woman can't possibly be smart and pretty, too? In movies, TV shows and books, cheerleaders appear to be the ones most often typecast with this narrative, which has somehow in our society become synonymous with being an airhead, a bimbo or brainless. Our cover story this month, the Science Cheerleaders, are committed to banishing this stereotype. This nonprofit organization of current and former professional and collegiate cheerleaders are not just shaking their pom-poms and performing at NFL and NBA games. Theyre also pursuing degrees and careers in chemical biology, molecular physics and biochemistry, just to name a few. The SciCheers are also paving the way for a younger generation starting to see themselves in a whole new light, according to Samantha Marsillo, director of operations for the Science Cheerleaders, engineer and former Arizo- na Cardinals cheerleader. Almost every time a girl realizes that I am an engineer and former pro-cheerleader, I can see the light bulb going offin their minds. I know the moment they all of a sudden believe in themselves that maybe one day, they can be a scientist or engineer and also a cheerleader, and it's one of the most rewarding feelings. Read more on how the Science Cheerleaders are inspiring our future STEM leaders on page 30. Give a cheer - it's almost a new year! And if ge@ing a job is on your list of resolutions, you may want to check out our article on Revamping Your Resume for the New Year on page 40. Need to brush up on your interview skills? Read Follow These 6 Unwritten Rules of Interviewing to Land Your Next Job on page 50 to get some great tips. And if youre already in school or thinking of going back, the 6 STEM Scholarships You Should Know About on page 78 can help finance your journey. As we move into 2023, take a page from the Science Cheerleaders and don't be afraid to break stereotypes. Because as they so aptly illustrate - if you can believe it, you can achieve it.
Kat Castagnoli Senior Managing Editor,
Diversity in STEAM Magazine
FROM THE EDITOR
Breaking the Stereotype, One Cheer at a Time
@DiversityCommOfficial @diversitycomm
Kat Castagnoli
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