This Wednesday, October 23, at the emblematic Balboa Park in San Diego, a series of talks took place that marked an important moment in the cross-border collaboration between San Diego and Tijuana. At the headquarters of the World Design Capital San Diego-Tijuana, a space that stands out for its modern and innovative architecture in the Plaza de Panamá, influential women from various disciplines gathered to share their experiences and visions.
This event not only celebrated design and creativity, but also brought to the table the importance of gender equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and design.
The structure, which represents the designation of the San Diego-Tijuana region as World Design Capital 2024, symbolizes much more than a binational collaboration. It is a testament to the historical, economic and cultural connection between two cities that, although separated by a border, share challenges and opportunities in their search for sustainable development and technological innovation.
Sarah Hassaine, global diversity and inclusion leader at ResMed, was in charge of opening the event, highlighting the importance of the role of women in these sectors and underlining that innovation cannot be truly revolutionary if it does not include all genders and perspectives. .
Innovation, sustainability and gender equality: key themes of the meeting
The event, which brought together women leaders and professionals from both sides of the border, was a unique space for dialogue and reflection on the challenges faced by women in STEM and design. During the conferences, topics such as the lack of female representation in technological areas, gender stereotypes that limit professional development, and the systemic barriers that women continue to face in achieving leadership positions were widely discussed.
Opening: Lida Noory and creating opportunities in STEM
The event began with a keynote address by Lida Noory, Chief of Staff of the White House Office of Science and Technology, who addressed the impact of industrial innovation and the importance of creating equitable opportunities for women and girls in STEM.
With palpable passion in his words, Noory described how public policies must align with the changing reality of the world of work, where automation and technology are redefining the skills needed to thrive.
She emphasized that inclusion should not only be an ideal, but an active strategy to ensure that women, and particularly young women from underrepresented communities, have access to the tools and education necessary to excel in historically male-dominated fields.
Cross-border collaboration as a motivation for change in STEM
One of the most anticipated panels was “View From the Top: Accelerating Cross-Border STEM Collaboration,” moderated by Kelly Hogan, senior vice president of PNC Bank. In this talk, leaders from some of the most influential companies in the technology sector, such as Dexcom, Illumina and Quidel Ortho, discussed the potential of collaboration between San Diego and Tijuana to drive innovation and growth in STEM.
Maritza Díaz, CEO of ITJ USA, highlighted the importance of taking advantage of the competitive advantages of both cities. San Diego, recognized as a global center of biotech innovation, and Tijuana, with its growing technology industry, have the potential to create an ecosystem that fosters not only economic growth, but also the inclusion of women in STEM. It was stressed that the border should not be seen as an obstacle, but as a bridge that connects and strengthens us.
Along with Díaz, Charice Tellez (Vice President of the Enterprise Program Management Office at Quidel Ortho), Patti Robb (Senior Vice President of Engineering at Dexcom) and Annie Chaiyakul (Vice President of Information Technology at Illumina) shared their personal experiences on how They have managed to make their way in a world where women often face a lack of self-confidence due to gender stereotypes. Each of them shared how, throughout their careers, they have learned to challenge these stereotypes, not only to advance in their own roles, but also to inspire and empower other women to follow in their footsteps.
Inclusive design for a more equitable future
The final panel discussion of the event, titled “New Era of Inclusive Design & Equal Future for Women & Girls in STEM,” was moderated by Eden Brukman, director of sustainability for the County of San Diego. Here, the need for design policies to not only include more women, but focus on creating products and services that reflect the needs of a diverse society was discussed.
Participating in the event were Dr. Brittany Wheeler, co-founder and director of Greater Than Tech, and Collins Aerospace program technician; Karmin Noar, COO of San Diego Squared; Lourdes Ibañez, CEO of Education Makeover & Global Schooling; Dr. Mwenda Kudumubiggs, VP of the San Diego Fleet Science Center; and Eden Brukman, chief sustainability officer for San Diego County.
Dr. Brittany Wheeler, co-founder of Greater Than Tech, emphasized that inclusion should not be seen as a fad, but rather as a long-term strategy that drives innovation. “It’s not just about having a diverse table, it’s about designing a table so that everyone feels welcome,” Wheeler said, adding that her organization seeks to redefine what it means to be successful in STEM by equipping the next generation with the tools necessary to thrive in a changing technological environment.
For her part, Lourdes Ibañez, CEO of Education Makeover & Global Schooling, shared her vision on how education can be a powerful tool to transform the lives of girls and young women. Its innovative approach, which uses learning through experiences such as escape rooms and collaborative projects, aims to foster creativity and critical thinking from an early age, preparing girls to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
An event that left its mark on the community
The event not only functioned as a platform to share knowledge and experiences, but also as a space to establish networks of support and collaboration between participants and attendees. At the conclusion of the talks, attendees enjoyed socializing in the gardens in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art, where snacks and drinks were offered in a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged interaction and the exchange of ideas.
This meeting was much more than a celebration of the achievements of women in STEM and design as it was a reminder that true innovation is only possible when all voices are included, and a call to continue working towards a future where Gender equity and sustainability are the fundamental pillars of progress.
The event concluded with loud applause and an atmosphere full of inspiration, making it clear that the revolution in STEM and design is just beginning, and that women will continue to be protagonists in building a more just and inclusive world.
VIDEO: Women leaders in STEM and design gather in Balboa Park
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