Wall of Inspiration

“The only phrase I’ve ever disliked is, ‘Why, we’ve always done it that way.’ I always tell young people, go ahead and do it. You can always apologize later.”

“You’re never too old, and if you want to, as my mother said, you can do anything you want to, but you have to work at it.”

“It adds to the joy of discovery to know that your work may make a difference in people’s lives.”

“Women will have achieved true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.”

“I think women want to take care of themselves, and I think having a voice in how that is done is very important.”

“I carried that load round, thinking that I had to be the best that I could be, always doing things just right, to set an example for other people who were coming behind me, especially women. I strived hard to be tough and hang in there the best I could.”

“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.”

“If we’re going to out-innovate and out-educate the rest of the world, then we have to open doors to everyone. We can’t afford to leave anyone out. We need all hands on deck. And that means clearing hurdles for women and girls as they navigate careers in science, technology, engineering and math. And so encouraging girls early not to lose heart in those fields, and encouraging them through high school is important. But it also means making sure that these young women can keep pursuing their dreams in college and beyond.”

“What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters. You’re going to walk into many rooms in your life and career where you may be the only one who looks like you or who has had the experiences you’ve had. But you remember that when you are in those rooms, you are not alone. We are all in that room with you applauding you on. Cheering your voice. And just so proud of you. So you use that voice and be strong.”

“If women had been more prominently talked about in computing, both in the history books and schools, we literally would not have the lack of women programmers that we do today. It’s about role models. You can’t be what you cannot see.”

“We need more women at every table where decisions are made. We need to push back against gender inequality in every form—now more than ever. A more equal workplace and world would be better in every way.”

“It would be futile to attempt to fit women into a masculine pattern of attitudes, skills and abilities and disastrous to force them to suppress their specifically female characteristics and abilities by keeping up the pretense that there are no differences between the sexes.”

“Early in my career, I used to think that knowing every answer was the definition of being a leader. But building and running a company taught me that true strength comes from curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to learn as you go. To every woman navigating a career in STEAM+: you don't need to wait for permission to take up space, and you certainly don't need to have it all figured out on day one. Embrace the gaps in your knowledge as spaces to grow, lean into your community, and never underestimate the impact of your unique voice in the room.”

“No experience is ever wasted. As a creative, don’t forget to keep living life and finding the humanity between us. That’s where your stories will come from.”

“Overprepare but don’t overplan. Don’t get too set on one particular career plan as being open and flexible is what will lead you to new opportunities you may never have dreamed for yourself.”

“I believe that women should stop being afraid of being loud and commanding. When you step into a room, own exactly who you are, and make room for others to do the same.”

“We all have a superpower. When you’re unafraid to better yourself, you better the world. How you treat yourself shapes how you treat others. Live with purpose, lift up your community, challenge injustice, and together we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and just world.”

“As a woman leader in STEM, I encourage everyone to embrace curiosity and innovation. Breaking barriers is never easy, but each step we take opens doors for the next generation. By lifting each other up, we make sure the path forward is brighter, stronger, and truly inclusive.”

“Don't stay complacent.”

“Girls, it is time to let go of our perfectionism and imposter syndrome, and own our place with excellence in tech. Unite to elevate each other, because we all belong in tech and have the power to contribute to the next tech evolution!”

“Historically, women have been left out of conversations on wealth, power, finances, and sovereignty. Women and young girls are here to change the world, not through being conditioned by societal systems, but by honoring their own unique purpose, direction, and innate magic. You're not destined to fit yourself into a mold and shrink to appease others, you're here to double down on what lights you up and take up BIG space. You are inherently worthy and loved. I see you. I am with you. I am you.”

“No learning is ever wasted. Stay curious.”

“You'll encounter those who say you can't succeed. Let their words fade into the background. Every step you take should be for your fulfillment, not to prove someone else wrong. Instead, focus on proving yourself right. Stay authentic, be kind, and remain humble.”

“A reminder for you and for future me:

Feel that inner voice that calls you to do what is right. Tie your humanity to others when things feel impossible, and find hope in knowing that you are not alone in feeling lost. This is everyone else's first time living, too. Have dreams so big they scare you and it's okay to do it scared---you're braver and more capable than you know ◡̈”