Moving beyond the numbers: Diversity and inclusion in STEM
The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) significantly influence major aspects of everyday life from technology and communications, to medicine, research, and the implementation of healthcare, yet, the workforce in these fields rarely reflects the diverse populations they serve.
In this panel discussion, alumni professionals who are leading the charge to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within their STEM organizations, share first-hand about their strategies to implement change and challenge the status quo.
About the speakers:
Anthony Harrison (COM’81) is passionate about the power of words. He loves a well-turned phrase and the impact of a powerful story. That’s what brought him to public relations over 20 years ago. A graduate of Boston University’s College of Communications, Anthony’s career is built on telling powerful and compelling stories about everything from telephones (Verizon) to lattes (Starbucks) to Mickey Mouse (Disney); from the paper of record (The NY Times) and the world’s best-known software, (Microsoft) and most recently, the largest social network on the planet (Facebook). He prides himself on finding and telling stories that engage people and change their opinions. Stories that build or renew a reputation.
Anthony doesn’t take himself too seriously. He thrives on making those around him better than they were when he met them. And in turn lets them make him better. He works hard and laughs harder. He’s ridden his bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles, handled balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, and when you meet him, you’ll never forget him.
Dr. Pooja Mittal (CAS’98) is a Family Physician who works at HealthNet as a Medical Director. She is a member of the leadership team that works to further equitable care through a population health model for all HealthNet members. Dr. Mittal has an expertise in the area of maternal child health.
She started at Boston University as a faculty member practicing full scope family medicine. She then moved to the UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine, where she was an Associate Professor with a full scope clinical practice including obstetrics and inpatient medicine. At UCSF, Dr. Mittal was the Director of Maternal Child Health for the residency training program. She also served as an Assistant Medical Director of Family Centered Care, where she worked to improve the care of families across the life course.
Dr. Mittal also works at the National Clinicians Consultation Center at UCSF, a national HIV/AIDS warmline, where she is recognized as a national expert on Perinatal HIV care. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, she has published in the areas of well-child care, group visits, preconception care, and perinatal HIV.
Minita Shah-Mara (CAS’00, SSW’03) is a human resources leader with experience in both the legal and biotech industries. She is currently VP of Organization Effectiveness and Global Diversity and Inclusion at Biogen, Inc, a global biotech which discovers, develops, and delivers worldwide innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
In her current role, she leads a team focused on shaping a strong organizational culture, cultivating talent, driving organizational performance through high-performing teams, and excelling in employee experience. She also partners with business and HR Leads to further develop and execute the company’s workforce strategies around diversity and inclusion (D&I), with a focus of embedding D&I principles throughout the employee lifecycle.
Before joining Biogen, she held positions of successive leadership, including heading the attorney recruiting and development function at a mid-sized law firm in Northern California, and heading the Diversity and Inclusion functions for two large AMLaw 200 firms. Prior to that, Minita worked as a clinical social worker counseling adolescents with mental health disorders. Minita received a master’s degree in clinical social work from Boston University and an MBA from Babson College.
Minita sits on Bentley University’s Business Advisory Council, is a Board member of ATASK, the Asian task force against domestic violence, and coaches students as a part of Babson College’s Coaching for Leadership Program.
Looking for more ways to connect with alumni in STEM fields? Visit BU Connects and join the Life Sciences, Health, & Medicine Network or the Technology & Data Sciences Network today!