Men continue dominating the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Specifically, only one in seven engineers are female. It should come as no surprise that the number of women pursuing and earning STEM degrees directly correlates with this statistic.

Speaking to these realities is senior chemical engineering student Kaela Evans. She stopped by to chat with us about her experiences as a female engineering student—experiences dating back to her elementary school years, a time when she identified math and science as her first love, in spite of the disparities that existed between her and her male classmates. Kaela speaks candidly about her highs and lows and offers thoughtful insight on how teachers, administrators, professors, mentors, and corporate decision makers can more productively create circles of service and how women in STEM must advocate for each other and for themselves.