Women Overcoming Barriers in STEM: How Mentors, Allies, and Sponsors Assist Career Trajectories in Higher Education

This study focused on the personal narratives of women in STEM in both public and private higher education institutions within various roles. Specifically, the researcher aimed to determine the following: (a) if mentors/allies influence the career trajectories of women in STEM in higher education institutions and (b) if mentors/allies aid in the support of women in STEM in higher education institutions. The researcher used semistructured interviews with a narrative analysis to determine areas of struggle for the sample within their careers and how mentors, allies, and sponsors were present throughout their careers to help the women overcome these challenges. Data was collected and analyzed through the lens of feminist research theory, which also guided the development of the interview protocol and questionnaire. Through this analysis, the researcher found seven themes emerging across interviews: Passion for STEM, Misconceptions of Women, Representation/Underrepresentation of Women in STEM, Sense of Belonging, Work-Life Balance, Challenges Faced by Women in STEM, and the Importance of Mentors, Allies, and Sponsorships. Findings suggested that although mentorships exist for women within STEM fields in higher education institutions, some women found that their own more meaningful and intentional mentorships were more effective than formal, pre-established mentorships. Participants also cited the importance of both having allies and sponsors as well as serving as allies and sponsors for other women in marginalized areas. The researcher recommended that universities provide mentorship groups with motivated leaders to replace one-on-one mentorships that may be ineffective across areas of study or position to position. Having group mentorships may provide more resources in the form of more opportunities for mentors, allies, and sponsors to help assist women in these groups. The researcher also suggested that mentorship groups with motivated leaders may also serve to help support women in any area, not just areas of marginalization and underrepresentation, such as STEM. Keywords: STEM, sexism, mentors, allies, sponsors, women, career advancement, opportunities