Presidential Address: Collaboration and Diversity in STEM

Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, published a book titled 'Lean In', where she invites women to sit at the table. In summary, to 'sit at the table' entails not only embracing opportunity, but to actively seek out opportunities in leadership positions. Sandberg points out that, unfortunately, apart from institutional obstacles, a woman's own perceived limitations have a negative impact on her leadership ambitions. To create an environment where diversity will flourish, where everyone has a seat at the table and everyone has a voice, safety must be established first. To establish safety within a diverse team, there is power in relationships and connections. This study will first and foremost review theories in literature as to why diversity and inclusion are so important and the value that diversity brings to our industry. The study also recommends a few focus areas for improving diversity and inclusion in the industry.