Name: Silvana Oliveri

Country: Italy

Highest level of education: Master’s Degree

Major or field of study: Italian University Lecturer, Project Management & Environmental Studies

Current position: EU Project Manager and Environmental Educator

Silvana Oliveri from Italy holds a Master’s Degree and previously worked as an Italian University Lecturer, and currently works as EU Project Manager, and Environmental Educator. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing educational programs focused on environmental awareness, sustainability, and art in nature, as well as managing European, international, and local projects.

Obstacles Silvana encountered throughout her educational and professional journey

Silvana’s educational and professional journey took an unexpected turn after completing her initial studies. Discovering new areas of interest, she embarked on a new path that required her to creatively leverage her existing knowledge and skills. However, this transition presented the challenge of needing to bridge knowledge gaps in these new fields. To overcome this, Silvana proactively sought out alternative educational opportunities beyond traditional university settings, engaging in courses and further studies to acquire the necessary expertise. This highlights her adaptability and commitment to continuous learning as she navigated a shift in her professional focus.

Strategies and actions adopted by Silvana to overcome these obstacles

To overcome the challenges of shifting career paths and knowledge gaps, Silvana adopted a strategy driven by her passions and interests. She embraced a mindset of open curiosity and enthusiasm, actively engaging with every environment and experience to extract valuable lessons. By “putting herself out there,” she likely sought opportunities for learning and growth, demonstrating a proactive approach to acquiring new skills and knowledge in her chosen fields. This willingness to follow her interests and learn from diverse experiences proved instrumental in navigating her evolving professional journey.

Key lessons and insights gained from Silvana’s experience

From her experiences, Silvana gained a valuable insight: every small experience holds potential for learning, even if its immediate significance or benefit isn’t clear. She learned that seemingly insignificant moments can contribute to a larger understanding or outcome over time, emphasising the importance of patience and recognising the interconnectedness of different experiences.

The importance of increasing female representation in STEM education and careers

Silvana Oliveri from Italy navigated a career shift after her university studies by pursuing her passions in European project management and environmental education alongside her work as an Italian University Lecturer. To overcome the initial knowledge gaps, she proactively sought alternative learning opportunities. This journey taught her the value of extracting lessons from every experience, even seemingly small ones, and the importance of patience in seeing how these pieces contribute to a larger picture. Silvana strongly believes that greater representation of women and girls in STEM is vital for fostering diverse perspectives that drive innovation, promoting gender equity, and empowering future generations by challenging stereotypes

Encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM

Silvana suggests that encouraging more girls and women to pursue STEM careers requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Early Exposure and Engaging Learning: Providing girls with opportunities for hands-on, captivating learning experiences in STEM fields from a young age can spark their interest and build a strong foundation.
• Positive Role Models and Mentors: Showcasing successful women in STEM provides tangible examples of what is achievable, builds confidence, and offers guidance and support.
• Challenging Stereotypes: Actively working to dismantle societal biases and misconceptions about women’s capabilities in STEM is crucial for creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Inclusive and Supportive Environments: Fostering educational and professional settings where women feel valued, respected, and supported is essential for their success and retention in STEM.

Initiatives and Programs Driving Women’s Empowerment in STEM

Silvana highlights the significant impact of individuals like Samantha Cristoforetti, the first European woman to command the International Space Station. Cristoforetti’s achievements and her active engagement on social media have demonstrably shattered gender stereotypes in space exploration. Her leadership and communication efforts serve as powerful inspiration for women and girls to pursue STEM fields. Initiatives such as the creation of a Samantha Cristoforetti Barbie doll, which even traveled to the ISS, aim to provide relatable role models and encourage young girls to see STEM as a viable and exciting career path. Collaborations between organisations like the European Space Agency (ESA) and Mattel on such projects, along with partnerships with charities like “Inspiring Girls,” further amplify the message and provide tangible ways to connect girls with successful women in STEM. These efforts work to challenge limiting beliefs and broaden the horizons for future generations of female scientists, engineers, and astronauts.

Silvana’s advice to young girls considering a career in STEM

“Believe in yourself and stay curious, your ideas matter! Don’t fear failure; learn from it and keep pushing forward. Find mentors, stay passionate, and know that your unique perspective is needed in the field!”