Empowering Female STEM Graduates 
On 10 June 2026, SheSTEM, in collaboration with the IEEE NSU Student Branch WIE Affinity Group, hosted an engaging and impactful event titled “Fireside Chat and Career Guidance workshop” at North South University. The program brought together aspiring STEM students, accomplished industry professionals, and ecosystem partners for a dynamic exchange of ideas, experiences, and guidance to empower the next generation of women in STEM.
Setting the Context: SheSTEM’s Vision and Mission
The program commenced with participant registration, followed by a warm welcome from the hosts, who introduced the IEEE NSU Student Branch and its WIE (Women in Engineering) Affinity Group. The session set the tone by highlighting the importance of creating inclusive spaces that promote gender equity in STEM fields. Zakia Sultana, Program Associate at Aspire to Innovate (a2i), formally introduced SheSTEM to the audience. She outlined the initiative’s mission to bridge gender gaps in STEM education and employment in Bangladesh by equipping female students with the skills, resources, and confidence needed to thrive.
Drawing attention to the current landscape, she shared insights into the underrepresentation of women in STEM and the systemic barriers they face across academic and professional pathways. From limited access to opportunities to societal expectations, these challenges continue to shape women’s participation in the sector. She emphasized how SheSTEM aims to address these gaps by creating awareness, enabling access to learning resources, and connecting students to a broader ecosystem of opportunities. The session also highlighted the collaborative nature of SheSTEM’s work, supported by partners including 10 Minute School, a2i, DevLearn Consulting, LightCastle Partners, and Policy Exchange Bangladesh.
Inspiring Role Models: Learning from Lived Experiences
A key highlight of the event was the fireside chat session featuring accomplished women leaders from diverse STEM backgrounds:
- Tanha Islam, Digital Product Manager at Banglalink
- Tanzeem Haque, Data Infrastructure and Services Lead at ACI AI Business
- Afra Kabir, Technical Professional at Grameenphone
Through candid conversations, each speaker shared her career journey, challenges, and lessons learned along the way, offering both inspiration and practical direction to the participants.
Tanha Islam, spoke about navigating different roles and adapting to evolving industry demands. She emphasized the importance of building the right mindset, developing strong communication skills, and staying confident. She encouraged students to actively showcase their work through platforms like GitHub and LinkedIn, highlighting how a strong digital presence can open doors to global opportunities.
Tanzeem Haque reflected on her unconventional transition from a medical background into the data and technology space. Her journey underscored the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and resilience. She encouraged participants to focus on incremental growth, celebrate small achievements, and maintain a balance between personal and professional life while building a meaningful career.
Afra Kabir shared her experiences working in technical roles within a competitive industry. She discussed both the challenges and opportunities for women in STEM, emphasizing the importance of visibility, mentorship, and leadership. She encouraged students to take ownership of their growth, remain curious, and approach the transition from campus to corporate life with preparation and confidence.
Each session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers. These discussions created a safe and open environment where students could ask questions, seek advice, and gain clarity on their career paths.
Building Momentum Through Engagement and Dialogue
Beyond individual speaker insights, the event fostered a broader conversation about the future of women in STEM in Bangladesh. Participants actively engaged in discussions, shared their perspectives, and reflected on how they could apply the lessons learned to their own academic and professional journeys. The interactive nature of the session ensured that the event was not just informative but also empowering, encouraging students to envision themselves as active contributors to the STEM ecosystem.
Strengthening Partnerships for Impact
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Lamia Iftekhar, Professor and Co-Adviser of IEEE NSU SB WIE AG. She expressed gratitude to the speakers, partners, and participants, and reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change. Her remarks highlighted that initiatives like SheSTEM are most impactful when supported by strong partnerships between academia, industry, and development organizations.
Looking Ahead: Empowering the Next Generation
The event created a platform where inspiration met practical insight, encouraging participants to reimagine their career possibilities beyond traditional barriers. Through initiatives like this, SheSTEM continues to create pathways for young women to explore, pursue, and excel in STEM careers. By connecting students with role models, fostering mentorship, and providing access to resources, SheSTEM is building an ecosystem where women are empowered to thrive.
