Celebrating Women in STEM: Voices from Michigan Ross OYM

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was created in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate the efforts and achievements of trailblazing women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year, it is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Throughout history, women have played a pivotal role in shaping STEM fields, leaving behind remarkable legacies. Yet women have faced significant barriers, including unwelcoming work environments, pervasive stereotypes, harassment, harmful biases, and wage inequality.

Today, more women are overcoming these barriers and thriving in STEM fields, with steady growth since the 1970s. At Michigan Ross, STEM-designated programs have also seen an increase in female representation over time. The 2025 Master of Supply Chain Management cohort is made up of 52% women — more than half the class.

To recognize the next generation of women forging their path in STEM, we asked six students in two of the Michigan Ross STEM-designated OYM Programs — the Master of Supply Chain Management and Master of Business Analytics — to share their experiences.

Lindsey Bellowe, MBAn ’25

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor's degree in data analysis

What is your post-graduation career goal?

My post-graduation career goal is to combine my interests in technology and business as a digital risk consultant. Within this role, I hope to see the direct positive impact of my work on my clients while continually learning and growing my skill set.

How did you become interested in pursuing a career in STEM?

From a young age, math has always been my favorite subject in school. Coming into college, I knew I wanted to explore other areas in addition to pursuing a mathematics minor. I really enjoyed my first coding class and decided that an undergraduate degree in data analysis through the School of Information at the University of Michigan was the perfect degree that would allow me to explore other areas of STEM. Finally, during my Master of Business Analytics Program, I am enjoying learning about the many career opportunities that combine business and STEM.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?

I am incredibly proud to be a woman in STEM and eager to bring innovative ideas and new perspectives to the table throughout my career. However, being in a field typically dominated by men can be incredibly challenging. By eventually obtaining a leadership position during my STEM career, I hope to inspire other women to join this ever-growing field. 

Who inspires you?

Jane Fraser, the CEO of Citigroup Inc., is very inspiring. Being the first female CEO of a major U.S. bank makes her an incredible role model for women in a male-dominated industry. During my internship at Citi in the summer of 2023, I participated in a fireside chat with Jane Fraser, and learning about her innovative work as a female leader was fascinating. 

Do you have any advice for other women looking to pursue careers in STEM?

There are many types of careers within STEM, so it is important to believe in yourself and explore various areas if the first area is not for you. Joining communities with like-minded women in STEM can also be immensely valuable as you will constantly feel supported by others and can receive guidance throughout your career. Finally, embrace your unique perspectives and feel confident that you will positively change the STEM industry. 

Ritika Ponna, MBAn ’25

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor’s degree in data science and economics

What is your post-graduation career goal?

My immediate goal after completing my master’s degree is to join a Fortune 500 big-tech company in the marketing and technology analytics domain.

How did you become interested in pursuing a career in STEM?

Since an early age, I’ve been extremely curious and a natural problem solver. I was that

kid who constantly wondered why things were the way they were and wanted to uncover the steps and pieces that made them so. Adding to this curiosity, I used to watch my father work on his computer all day, and I would always wonder what he was doing. I spent hours on weekends staring at a screen filled with lines of code, trying to decipher what it all meant. This sparked my fascination with technology and the endless possibilities it holds.

Fast forward to my undergraduate degree in data science and now my MBAn, I’ve been fortunate to immerse myself in the world of technology. My professional experiences have further solidified this interest. Having worked as a data analyst, I’ve had the opportunity to dive deep into real-world data to uncover insights and drive impactful decisions. Collaborating on projects involving advanced analytics and marketing strategies has allowed me to see how STEM can directly influence business outcomes. These experiences have expanded my technical expertise and deepened my passion for solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions. This combination of academic knowledge and hands-on work has cemented my dedication to a career in STEM.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?

To me, being a woman in STEM represents both a privilege and a responsibility. It means breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and contributing to a field that shapes the future of our world. It’s about embracing the opportunity to solve complex problems, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to society.

It also means embracing the responsibility to inspire and uplift others. It’s about empowering younger generations by showing them that women can excel, lead, and innovate in any area of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Representation matters, and by being part of STEM, I am contributing to a broader cultural shift that normalizes women’s presence and leadership in these critical fields. I am so proud to be a woman in STEM. 

Who inspires you?

My mom has been my biggest inspiration. She has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and achieve my goals. She often tells me to trust the process, do what I believe in, and let the results follow. She consistently motivates me to put in my best effort and reminds me that hard work and perseverance can overcome any obstacle I may face. Ever since I decided to pursue a degree and career in STEM — despite those areas being heavily male-dominated — she has supported and stood by me every step of the way. Her encouragement and unwavering support have guided me to this point, and will continue to help me achieve everything I am capable of.

Do you have any advice for other women looking to pursue careers in STEM?

My advice for other women is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to take risks, break stereotypes, and push your boundaries — it will all be worth it in hindsight. Lastly, celebrate all your achievements, whether big or small, along the way. This will help motivate you to aim for even bigger and better things.

Julia Schachinger, MBAn ’25

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor’s and master's degrees in environmental engineering

What is your post-graduation career goal?

I hope to work in the field of occupational health and safety and sustainability in the manufacturing industry. 

How did you become interested in pursuing a career in STEM?

I was strong in math and science from a young age, and I particularly enjoyed the satisfaction of solving a complicated problem and coming to an answer. 

What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?

I feel empowered to be a woman in STEM. I hope to serve as an example to young girls that they can go into any field that they want. 

Who inspires you?

My mother is my biggest inspiration, another woman in STEM. She was one of the first women in the Center for Ergonomics at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. She earned her PhD at U-M and instilled in me from a young age the importance of education. Growing up with her as my mom showed me that women can do anything in STEM, and I am forever grateful. 

Do you have any advice for other women looking to pursue careers in STEM?

Believe in yourself! Do not be afraid to speak up in a room where you are the minority. You are more capable than you think. 

Mitusha Singh, MSCM ’25

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor’s degree in information technology

What is your post-graduation career goal?

My career aspiration post-graduation is to assume a leadership role in supply chain management, with a focus on sustainability. I aim to drive responsible value creation for customers and stakeholders throughout the value chain. The MSCM program at Ross has equipped me with deep domain knowledge, advanced data analytics capabilities, and the ability to conduct sophisticated statistical analyses. These skills are crucial for making effective, real-time decisions in today’s complex and dynamic supply chain environments.

How did you become interested in pursuing a career in STEM?

My interest in STEM was greatly influenced by my father, a valedictorian and civil engineer who inspired me to question the hows and whys behind everything. My passion for mathematics, statistics, and computer science during my academic years naturally led me to pursue a bachelor of engineering in information technology. My subsequent roles as a software engineer and project manager, focusing on digital transformation projects within supply chain and logistics, reinforced my interest in STEM. Witnessing firsthand the enhancement of business processes through technology further solidified my desire to advance in this field, making the MSCM program an ideal step forward due to its perfect blend of business and technology.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?

As a woman in STEM, I feel a profound responsibility to reinforce that groundbreaking ideas and exceptional achievements transcend gender boundaries. I feel accomplished and take pride in having inspired many young women in my family to pursue stellar careers in engineering and technology. I am dedicated to advocating for gender equality in educational and professional arenas, aiming to inspire and empower more women to pursue their passions in STEM.

Who inspires you?

I am immensely inspired by my parents. My mother’s optimism, discipline, and perseverance, and my father’s dedication, ethical integrity, and hard work have wholly shaped my personal and professional ethos. Their unrelenting support has been pivotal in enabling me to strive for and reach my fullest potential.

Do you have any advice for other women looking to pursue careers in STEM?

To women aspiring to have careers in STEM, I say: be fearless and resilient. Remember the legacies of Mary Cartwright, Katherine Johnson, Cecilia Payne, and many other great women in STEM who blazed trails in their respective fields. Know that you are worthy of achieving your most ambitious goals. While challenges may arise, let the achievements of these remarkable women and the support of those around you fuel your resolve to press forward with unwavering determination.

Jinghan (Effy) Tang, MSCM ’25

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics

What is your post-graduation career goal?

After graduation, I want to use my skills in supply chain management, data analytics, and economic strategies to become a leading professional in operations optimization for the technology or financial services sectors. I dream about creating innovative solutions that will promote efficiency, reduce costs, and bring sustainable impacts to markets worldwide.

How did you become interested in pursuing a career in STEM?

I became interested in STEM because of my academic experiences in mathematics, economics, and statistics, where I saw how various analytical tools could be applied to solve real-world problems. These interests further deepened when I applied these skills professionally to address challenges that included financial modeling, market research, and data-driven decision-making.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?

Contributing distinct viewpoints to advance a field that benefits from diversity is what it means to be a woman in STEM. It is an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, inspire others, and pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by my parents, who have had successful careers in both STEM and business. Their ability to merge technical talent with strategic perspectives has also shown me just how powerful these areas are when integrated together. Their dedication and support have inspired me to create a path that seamlessly merges these areas into something meaningful.

Do you have any advice for other women looking to pursue careers in STEM?

Trust your abilities, take on challenges, and stay confident in your unique perspective.

Radhika Kadapparambil, MSCM ’25

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology

What is your post-graduation career goal?

Post-graduation, my goal is to take on a role where I can apply the knowledge and practical skills I’ve gained at Ross. I have a background in retail and e-commerce, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience working in this dynamic field. I would love to pursue a planning or strategy role with a leading organization. Most importantly, I aspire to be part of a company that values continuous learning and fosters personal and professional growth.

How did you become interested in pursuing a career in STEM?

From an early age, I was drawn to STEM subjects, with biology and chemistry being my favorites, which led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in biotechnology. Over the years, my journey in STEM has taken several turns and evolved in ways I hadn’t anticipated. During the lockdown, I began exploring opportunities in supply chain management, and that completely changed my perspective. The ability to be a part of solving complex, real-world problems for millions of people sparked a deep interest in me, and, lucky for me, it ultimately led me to Ross!

What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?

Being a woman in STEM, to me, is both an opportunity and a commitment. It’s an opportunity to bring unique perspectives and contribute to solving meaningful problems. STEM is inherently about problem-solving, and diversity is crucial to do this effectively. Women bring much needed representation and valuable insights to the table and help in building a more inclusive future where their presence continues to grow. At the same time, it is a commitment to stay and grow in the field despite the challenges that still exist. It means navigating barriers, supporting others, and working toward creating a space where more women can thrive and succeed in STEM.

Who inspires you?

My mother has been my greatest source of support and inspiration. She is one of the most resilient and confident women I have ever known. The way she effortlessly gets things done, her assertiveness, and her willingness to speak up for herself and others are qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody in my own personal and professional growth. On a broader level, I am inspired by stories of leaders who have defied societal constraints and paved the way for others to follow.

Do you have any advice for other women looking to pursue careers in STEM?

What has helped me pursue and stay in STEM is surrounding myself with relatable peers, role models, and mentors who understand and inspire me. Building a strong support network can make all the difference in staying motivated and finding your path. Always look for reasons to stay curious, keep learning, and grow in the field.