Name: Andrijana Mrkela

Country: Croatia

Highest level of education: Master’s Degree

Major or field of study: Organisation of Business Processes

Current position: Lead Designer

Andrijana Mrkela is a Lead Designer from Croatia, with a Master’s degree in the Organisation of Business Processes. She combines her expertise in business process management with a creative approach to design, leading projects that optimise and enhance organisational workflows. Andrijana’s skills and leadership make her a key figure in driving innovation and efficiency within her field.

Obstacles Andrijana encountered throughout her educational and professional journey

During Andrijana’s educational and professional journey, balancing work and college was a significant challenge. Managing tight deadlines and competing priorities often felt overwhelming, requiring careful time management and adaptability. 

Strategies and actions adopted by Andrijana to overcome these obstacles

To overcome these obstacles, Andrijana focused on time management and maximising productivity. She used every spare moment to study and prepare for exams. By prioritising tasks and maintaining a structured routine, she balanced both work and academic commitments effectively. Despite the difficulty, this experience helped Andrijana develop strong organisational skills, resilience, and the ability to stay focused under pressure. It ultimately strengthened her work ethic and ability to handle future challenges.

Key lessons and insights gained from Andrijana’s experience

From her experience, Andrijana learned the importance of perseverance and staying committed to her dreams, regardless of the challenges she faces. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when things get tough, but pushing through those difficult moments and staying focused on your goals can lead to growth and eventual success. The journey may not always be smooth, but persistence is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving what you set out to do.

The importance of increasing female representation in STEM education and careers

If you look at the past, some of the most important inventions or scientific breakthroughs were made by women, like Katherine Goble Johnson, Grace Hopper, Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, to name a few. Women bring unique viewpoints and experiences that can inspire fresh ideas and solutions in STEM fields, which ultimately benefit society as a whole. 

Encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM

To encourage more girls and women to pursue STEM, we need to provide early exposure through hands-on activities, inclusive role models, and mentorship opportunities. Tackling stereotypes and creating supportive, bias-free environments in schools and workplaces are essential. Empowering them with resources, confidence-building programs, and showcasing the real-world impact of STEM careers can inspire lasting interest.

Initiatives and Programs Driving Women’s Empowerment in STEM

Girls Who Code (also known as GWC): is an international nonprofit organisation that aims to support and increase the number of women in computer science. With their 7-week Summer Immersion Program, after school Clubs, College Loops program and New York Times best-selling series, they are leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip young women with the computing skills to pursue 21st-century opportunities. Girls Who Code has reached 300,000 girls around the world.

WISE (Women in Science and Engineering): delivers women-centred equity, diversity, and inclusion solutions for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sectors – access resources and a network that supports women in STEM. With over 30 years of experience, WISE offers tailored solutions, programs, and events that boost gender balance, productivity, and innovation. They help organisations make sustainable progress on inclusion, regardless of where they are in their journey.

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

“I would advise them to be curious and persistent, ask questions, experiment, and don’t fear mistakes, as they’re part of learning. They should seek out role models or mentors who inspire and support them, and believe in their ability to succeed. And what is important to have in mind is that STEM careers empower them to solve real-world problems and make a meaningful impact.”