Young Women In Tech - STEM (Episode 77)

🎧 Women in STEM: Breaking Through Tech's Glass Ceiling | Data Engineering | Women in Tech | Career Development | Leadership | Work-Life Balance | Diversity in Tech

Meet Punya Singh, a powerhouse data engineering leader managing 22 engineers, whose journey from neuroscience PhD to tech leadership illuminates the path for women in male-dominated STEM fields. Join host Fatima Bey and Punya for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers and claiming your space in technology.

Through authentic leadership insights and real-world experiences, this empowering episode reveals proven strategies for women's success in tech.

This career-changing episode explores:

• Navigating tech leadership as a woman in a male-dominated field
• Balancing motherhood with high-powered tech careers
• Breaking through imposter syndrome and salary negotiation barriers
• Creating supportive networks for women in STEM
• Starting women in tech initiatives that drive real change
• Essential insights for young women entering STEM careers
• Global perspectives on women in technology
• Building confidence and setting boundaries in tech careers
• Choosing supportive partners for career success

Perfect for: Young women considering STEM careers, female tech professionals seeking advancement, parents guiding daughters toward STEM, tech industry leaders focused on diversity, career counselors, women in leadership positions, and anyone interested in closing the gender gap in technology. Plus: Critical insights about creating inclusive tech workplaces and empowering the next generation of women in STEM.

To take a look at Punya Singh's book, please click on the link below.

https://a.co/d/7GFBML4

Transcript

Fatima Bey: Welcome to Mindshift Power Podcast, the only international podcast focused on teens, connecting young voices and perspectives from around the world. Get ready to explore the issues that matter to today's youth and shape tomorrow's world.

Fatima Bey: I'm your host, Fatima Bey, the Mind Shifter.

Fatima Bey: And welcome, everyone. Today we have with us Poonya Singh. She is from Ontario, Canada.

Fatima Bey: She is a data engineering leader and she has had 14 plus years in the field. She's also an author.

Fatima Bey: And we're going to be talking about stem, but we're going to talk about a little bit differently today than what you typically hear. So how are you doing today, Punya?

Punya Singh: I'm great. How are you, Fatima?

Fatima Bey: I'm good. I'm looking forward to this conversation.

Fatima Bey: So let me first off start by asking you, what is stem? We use that term a lot, but not everybody in the world knows what it means. So, so if you.

Punya Singh: Sure. So stem, let's start off with what was it stand for? So STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. So STEM careers are any careers that are tied to any of these disciplines or a combination of the disciplines.

Fatima Bey: All right, so can you give us some examples of what industries are included with stem?

Punya Singh: Sure. So STEM can include.

Punya Singh: It could be data science, it could mean engineering, it could be technology, it could be science being a researcher. There's an infinite number of different roles that it, that it can encompass. But I guess while why we're here, majority of STEM careers positions are filled by, by men. So In North America, 2/3 of stem positions are filled by men and only one third by women. So women and, and minorities are unfortunately very underrepresented. But, but that's why we're here and we're hoping to see that change.

Fatima Bey: That is why we're here. And we're on an international stage right now. So this is. You're talking about North American numbers because North American. So that's what you know. But I know that it's not just true here, it's true in the world and in general. And I, I too agree that that should definitely change. And I would say, I think that. What do you think? Do you think engineering is a larger portion of that?

Punya Singh: I would say engineering is probably the ratios in engineering. There are a lot less females in engineering than some of the other fields. So, you know, I know in science, you know, we'd have, we have some female researchers still underrepresented, but within stem, engineering seems to be an area that's even less represented by women in the other areas.

Fatima Bey: So definitely requires breaking things down into parts and putting them back together, which women do all the time, because we do it to men. So we should be doing it in the field of stem too.

Fatima Bey: As a seamstress.

Fatima Bey: You know, my past is being a professional seamstress. And you know, I made and designed wedding gowns for decades at this point.

Fatima Bey: And what most people don't realize is that I'm an engineer. Because sewing is engineering.

Punya Singh: Absolutely.

Fatima Bey: I noticed that when I used to teach sewing and those who have an engineering background always make excellent sewers.

Fatima Bey: And I noticed that I'm like, oh, well, I guess because it's the same brain, because it is engineering. Even understanding the sewing machine is engineering. And so women out there, girls, young girls out there, if you're sewing, you are an engineer too.

Fatima Bey: Absolutely.

Punya Singh: If you're cooking, you're, you're a chemist. So you know what?

Fatima Bey: That's true. I had thought about actually. True.

Punya Singh: You're a leader. You're managing the home, the day, the functioning of it. So it's all related.

Fatima Bey: It's that transferable skill. You know, you're taking your skill and, and, and it depends on which way you use it. But engineering is the way to use it, make money, so, and get put in magazines. Because now you're important.

Fatima Bey: Now.

Fatima Bey: Punya, tell us about your background.

Punya Singh: Sure. So I guess let's start off where I was born and raised. So I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada.

Punya Singh: My parents, they're from, they're from India and they came to Canada over 40 years ago as immigrants.

Punya Singh: But I was. So I'm kind of a blend of, you know, our Canadian culture, but also our East Indian culture as well.

Punya Singh: Apart from that, I currently still live in the, in the Toronto region.

Punya Singh: I am married and I also have a two year old son.

Punya Singh: And so terrible twos are here. So I'm a mother, wife and also one of the leaders in data engineering. So very happy to talk about how I manage that and the journey as a mom and as a wife.

Fatima Bey: Now in talking to you off air, I found your career background very interesting. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

Punya Singh: Sure. So in terms of my academic background, I started off with my bachelor's in biology and psychology and I love the combination of the two. Then I proceeded to do my master's and PhD in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience.

Punya Singh: And the program that I was in was very stat heavy, very mathematical, very technical.

Punya Singh: So when I graduated I was pulled into a lot of the data roles. So then when I graduated I moved into market research, more on the data side more on the technical side and the research side. I then moved into banking and now more most recently I'm now in the pharmaceutical industry. So I've always been connected to data. So on the technical side so tend to tended to be more, more male dominated and also a lot of the roles that I've been in have been leadership roles. So also as you move up in the corporate career there seems to be less and less women, so often the minority and a lot of the lot of these different positions that I've had and I've been working for almost 14 years and I'm loving my career in STEM.

Fatima Bey: Great. Now tell you said you're a data engineer now.

Fatima Bey: Leader, Sorry, data engineering leader. What does that mean? What does that entail?

Punya Singh: Sure. So basically I have a team of data engineers on my team. I have about 22 direct reports so it's more of a leadership role. So I'm not really early on in my career I was kind of in the nuts and bolts and playing around with numbers and doing a lot of that work. But now this is more of on the leadership side. So I'm not having to do a lot of the data engineering or the number crunching but I have done that early on in my career. But my current role is more involved with leading my team, supporting them, guiding them, inspiring them, making sure that they reach their goals. A lot of it is involved with corporate strategy within data engineering.

Punya Singh: And then most recently when I joined this company a year ago, the pharma company, I was approached by one of my managers to start a women in tech group where we want to support women in, in tech roles. So I started an initiative at the company and it's been very well received. So we have a lot of senior leaders come in and talk about their, the challenges that they've faced as a women and a female in the tech industry and how they've overcome those, those challenges. And it's been very inspiring.

Punya Singh: And I started off, I started off these, these initiat more and more I got into it, the more passion, the more, the more passionate I've become and it just became an area that I, that I'm super excited about and I guess that's why I'm here.

Fatima Bey: So you mentioned that it can be difficult to be a female in the tech industry and instead of, I'm just calling it, instead of saying stem, I'm just saying tech industry.

Fatima Bey: For those who recognize that a little bit better explain what that means. For those who just don't have that experience.

Punya Singh: I would Say, you know, being in Canada, I think I, you know, everyone's perspectives are going to be different, you know, based on, you know, where you're from and you know, how you were raised. But I would say when, you know, when, when I wasn't a mom, I never felt anything like, less like I, it was any different than a man. Right. I never heard any comments, you know, about being a female or a minority or any of that. I personally have. It doesn't mean other females may have not.

Punya Singh: But I think when I became a mom, that is where some, you know, I started to see some of the, I guess the discrimination or the questions come up and some of, you know, some of some of the challenges.

Punya Singh: So I've overcame them though.

Punya Singh: But I think when I initially, when I had my child two years ago, I took a very short mat leave, only six months. And in Canada you can get up to 18 months of mat leave. So in our mat leave for those who don't, maternity leave. So basically it's the leave that you take when you have a child. So you're off work for 18 months. And for me I, I love my child but I also love working. So I only took six months leave.

Punya Singh: And that's sort of very unconventional, right in Canada to take. I know in the US I think you guys don't get, you get maybe six weeks off. So it might be like normal to just be, have your child and you're.

Fatima Bey: Off to work here, five minutes, you're done.

Punya Singh: Yeah, but here it's, it's, it's not the norm. You take at least a year, 18 months. Right?

Fatima Bey: That makes sense to me.

Punya Singh: Once I wanted to be back at work with accommodations, you know, I was still with my son and had had support networks. But when I came back to work, wanted to come back to work, you know, I was often questioned, how are you going to manage your job and your, and your, and your son?

Punya Singh: How many minutes is it going to. Because I was on a very high profile project. How many minutes is it going to take you to nurse your child? Because I would need an accommodation and I can't take a meeting when I'm nursing my child. I would just been asked these very personal questions and you know, and I never felt like, like, like I was any different than a man until I became, that, became a mom.

Punya Singh: So for me that really, you know, got me really passionate about this area and you know, I don't think anyone should have to answer how you're going to manage your career and your job. If you Want to come back to work. That's your decision. Right. You should not be undermined or questioned about how you're going to do your job. Right. A man wouldn't be. So why was I.

Punya Singh: So those are the, you know, the questions. And that's sort of, kind of how I really kind of connected with this. This area. Interject a woman in tech and leadership and being a mom and all that.

Fatima Bey: So I'm going to interject some of my thoughts on what you just said.

Fatima Bey: I don't usually do that that much, but. And here I am going to what I. Based on what you were just explaining and the example that you just gave, I think some of those questions were legitimately genuine because ignorance is the primary factor behind many of those questions.

Punya Singh: Absolutely.

Fatima Bey: Well, you're not like everyone else I've ever known who's a woman and had a child come out of them. So therefore, why are you different? You know that. That's what I heard. And people ask those kind of questions that seem silly to.

Fatima Bey: To you, to the rest of us, because they genuinely are ignorant. So I think sometimes there's some people who just have a callous attitude of, you're a woman, this is what you're supposed to do. And then there are those people.

Fatima Bey: And then there are those people that genuinely just. They're just clueless. They just don't know that you. You. That it's been ingrained in them to think of you differently because you don't have a penis, you know, and. And they, they don't read. They genuinely don't. And. But those questions are still annoying.

Fatima Bey: But there are people who genuinely. They're just genuinely ignorant. And I think sometimes we have to be mindful of how we respond because it's very easy to respond with, I would like to punch you in the face right now. Please don't actually do that. But, you know, you don't actually do that. But you. That's what you're thinking inside your head. Like, you know, I just want to smack you. You're so stupid. But.

Fatima Bey: But then you have to stand back and like, they've never seen anything but one thing. That's all they know.

Punya Singh: Right.

Fatima Bey: And think about how true this is with many other factors within the.

Punya Singh: Absolutely.

Fatima Bey: It's been dominated by men.

Fatima Bey: So all they know is testosterone comes in and runs the show.

Fatima Bey: And, you know, a woman who's much more multifaceted in our thinking by nature comes in and disrupts that because we're different.

Fatima Bey: And also. But we do think a little bit differently. Sometimes. And both are needed. That's why God created us both.

Fatima Bey: I just wanted to add that in not so much for you, but for the listeners.

Punya Singh: Right? Absolutely, absolutely.

Fatima Bey: So let me ask you this. So in a moment ago, we, we were talking about STEM careers that need more women.

Fatima Bey: Can you give, give us a few, like maybe three to five very specific careers that you would like to see young women get into? Very specific positions. I would say.

Punya Singh: Right. I would say definitely on the, like, as I mentioned, the engineering side of things, I think it would be great to see more women on the engineering, in engineering. But one thing I'd also would love to see, I think with, I mean, it could be connected to the engineering as well, but to see in artificial intelligence, you know, I know that's a big field and there's so much room for opportunity. So it would be great to see more women involved in that and you know, have their own female flair to that and you know, or opportunities of how you can use AI and you know, how can benefit not only women and men as well. But be great to have different perspectives on that if we had more women in AI because I think it's a great tool.

Punya Singh: Along with that, I would say I would definitely like to see more women in leadership. So I would say, you know, when you see a lot of the entry level STEM careers, it is still male dominated, but you'll see, you know, a third of females. But the more and more that you climb up in your career, the less and less women you see. So I would say in those leadership STEM careers, I would love to see more women represented.

Fatima Bey: That would be beautiful.

Punya Singh: Yes. Yeah. And then also any kind of job related to like coding, computer science, you know, a lot on the technical side of things, I would say that there's, there seems to be more of a disparity, disparity between. So it'd be good to see more, more women in, in some of those.

Fatima Bey: Areas, coding is still going to be necessary.

Fatima Bey: No matter how far AI gets, we still need coding.

Punya Singh: Absolutely. Definitely human intervention.

Fatima Bey: So coding and AI are probably the two biggest things in the future that we know aren't going to go away.

Punya Singh: Absolutely.

Fatima Bey: They're absolutely certain kinds of engineering might go away as technology improves, you know, and increases. And we don't need this machine anymore. We don't need that kind of whatever anymore, that kind of system. But a, but AI, and, and yeah, that's encoding. Those are never going to go away because coding is still used in AI.

Punya Singh: So I'm talking to my data engineers, I'M like, you know, are you worried about AI? It's like, you know, it's made their jobs more efficient, but it doesn't mean they're not needed. Right. So it, there's, there's still opportunity. I mean, same with leadership. Right. You're not ever going to have a robot being your leader and making company strategy. Right.

Fatima Bey: So I hope not, because that becomes a movie.

Punya Singh: You never know anything's possible. But.

Fatima Bey: And that never ends well.

Punya Singh: Right.

Fatima Bey: But speaking of, of the future, where do you speak to the young women right now who are listening since we're specifically talking to them for this episode?

Fatima Bey: Where do you see the future in, in tech?

Punya Singh: Right.

Fatima Bey: What can you say to them?

Punya Singh: I would say, I would say that it's a bright future.

Punya Singh: It's great to see more and more companies really promoting women in tech. Women in stem.

Punya Singh: I think the company I work for, they have a lot of support networks. There's a lot of push towards encouraging more women to be in stem. And I think in the past that was non existent or never heard of.

Punya Singh: I think with all these support options and networks, I think it's a great place to be.

Punya Singh: And also I would say, you know, as, as a female, you know, whether you're in Africa or you're in India or wherever you may be sitting, you know, in your community, you might be that first female in your, in your, you know, in your city or your village or wherever you are that no one knows how to code you. Don't be afraid to stand out, right? It's okay to stand out. You should be proud to stand out.

Fatima Bey: Absolutely.

Punya Singh: So if you're passionate about a STEM career and it's very non existent where you are, don't be afraid to jump in. You should be proud that you have an opportunity to be an inspiration to other women to also pursue their passions, if that's what it is, if they're passionate about a STEM career. So don't be afraid to stand out and don't be frazzled or discouraged by the challenges you may face. You may have a lot of supporters, which is great, but you also may have people that may push back, right?

Fatima Bey: Yes.

Punya Singh: And don't let them dishearten you. So keep moving along, keep striving for your goals.

Fatima Bey: And yeah, that segues right into what I was going to ask you next. I'm going to give you a scenario.

Fatima Bey: There's a young woman who's just getting into a STEM field. It's engineering, some sort of engineering, and she's got some great ideas that could really advance the company, some great ideas that could really advance the mechanics of a particular machine that they reliant, right? And she wants to come to corporate and say, look, I have this great idea to make this more efficient and make it more, make it more efficient and have more output and basically make you more money. That's what they all want to hear, right? So she's got this great idea and she tries to come to. And she's only 23 years old, so she's a kid to them and she wants to come and she's got this idea. Hell, let's just say she's 19, she's real young. She comes in and she's got this idea and she comes to the authority figures within her company because they all hold different titles or whatever those are, and she, she says, you know, I have this great idea. But then they kind of listen to her obligatorily and treat her like, yeah, yeah, little girl, go back to work. They don't say those words out of their mouth, but their actions and their body language and everything else says that to them, right? What's that? What should that girl do? She just cower back, put their tail between her legs and go back to work and be a good little girl, right?

Punya Singh: Absolutely not.

Punya Singh: So, you know, I know as, you know, I think as women, not all of us, but you know, we tend to be people, we don't, we don't want to stir the pot, right? We want to, you know, go along with the flow and not offend anyone and you know, you know, but, and studies have shown that men are more open to rock the boat and doing, saying, saying their opinion. And if people don't agree. But you know, as females we tend to sometimes not all females in general, you know, we tend not to want to rock the boat. But so no, I would encourage her to Keep, keep, don't, don't back down. Keep, keep, keep using logic. Keep using your technical knowledge to convey how this idea may be beneficial to the company, right? So show them how you, what you've, what you've done or what you've thought about or your thought process. You know, try to use logic, facts, math if applicable, or science or any of that, because they may not listen to emotions, right? Oh, there's a young female approaching me. She might be emotional and she's just being right, not practical. Show them with concrete facts and that will, will hopefully would, should make them listen. And if they're not, then that's on them. But I would highly encourage you to to that a female in this situation to, to talk technical, talk science, talk math and not back down.

Fatima Bey: I'm going to rephrase what you just said in a different, in an analogy. Treat it like a courtroom. Exhibit A, exhibit B. Here is why you need to do this and here's the facts and here's why and here's the probable outcome and here's all the numbers that go with it and make them take you serious. And that's not always easy because if you're not that confident, you're going to come across as not that confident.

Punya Singh: Right.

Fatima Bey: So I mean, they could role play in the mirror, they could role play with a friend, even if it's virtual online, whatever it is. That I think helps too because if you show up like you ain't better than me, listen to this and you have on that kind of attitude, people take you differently than if you come as a timid. Well, I know I'm just little, but I hope you listen because a lot of these big wigs, men aren't, aren't going to listen to you for come at them like that.

Punya Singh: That absolutely, absolutely woman that you actually are. That's another challenge. You know, imposter syndrome. You know, a lot of women feeling, you know, I'm not good enough to be in a stem career, you know, but all these men, men, they're just, it's a male dominate. Maybe I shouldn't be here. Or they, they, even if they are very successful, they, they question themselves.

Fatima Bey: Yes.

Punya Singh: And they feel like they're not capable. I think even with you and I, I was like, I don't know, don't call me an author. Like, like, wait a minute, I'm doing what I'm talking about feeling like I'm an imposter or you know.

Fatima Bey: Yes.

Punya Singh: So it's, that's another challenge. And that I think women, we have to really overcome and which is why.

Fatima Bey: We need people like you, because it can you, you encourage other women and not just young women. I'm just talking about any age to be themselves and to go ahead and stand up and let what's inside their head comes out come out. Because there's so many women out there who are sitting on great intelligence. The only reason there is no cure for cancer is because the cure has been born over and over and over again. And it went to the grave because somebody was too afraid to let it out. And there's so many women not just in the field of stem, but there's so many young women out there who are sitting on a gold mine because they don't believe that they. What they have is valuable. And that is just never true.

Punya Singh: Absolutely.

Fatima Bey: And I would love to see more young women rise up and take over the field, or at least we don't have to take over the field. I don't want to see men get out of the field and be dominated by women either. I want to see there. I just want to see there to be a balance and for the women who are so intelligent and capable to really actually start to demonstrate that and. And for their bank accounts to show it. Do you know what I'm saying?

Punya Singh: That pay negotiation. Yeah. And I think that happens. You know, it's not confident. She's not going to negotiate her salary. She's going to be grateful she got the opportunity in the job.

Fatima Bey: Yep, $2. I'll take it. No, it should be $200,000. What are you doing?

Punya Singh: Right.

Fatima Bey: And. But when you're not confident, you'll take that $2.

Punya Singh: Exactly.

Fatima Bey: Because you don't realize that you actually deserve more and can ask for it.

Punya Singh: Exactly. And that's actually why there is that pay disparity. It's not that we're any less capable. It's because we don't negotiate. And I don't know, maybe tight confidence may be part of it, but I remember going last, negotiating the set my salary. I've always been a negotiator.

Punya Singh: And she was surprised. She's like, I really respect that you even asked. And in my mind, I'm like, why isn't this not the norm? But I guess not, right? It wasn't the norm. That's why she was surprised by it before negotiating. So, yes, you just, you just reiterated.

Fatima Bey: What I said earlier. This is the norm. Quote, unquote, norm.

Fatima Bey: What is typical is not always what's right, what's good, or what works. And when we're used to seeing something as typical, we don't know anything outside of it. So for some young. And I'm talking to the young women listening right now, sometimes these men are just genuinely freaking ignorant. They. They don't really understand anything outside of what they've experienced, just like we all humans in any area of life. So seeing women take over or seeing women actually be equal to them in this area is not something they're used to. You have to show them and yourself that you can do it. Now, let me ask you this, because there's a. This is an international podcast. There are women, young girls listening to me all over the world. Not now Canada and America. We have, we're Western society, we have different mentality. There are women, young girls who might be listening to me right now in Uganda or Guatemala or in the hills of Mongolia. And they know that they want to be a wife and a mother one day. Should they get into stem?

Punya Singh: Absolutely.

Punya Singh: I would say if it's, it's. There's no greater feeling than, you know, being in a career that you're passionate about. Right.

Punya Singh: You know, when you're passionate about something, you'll be able to overcome those, those obstacles. So am I going to say it's going to be rosy and easy all the time? No. But it's nothing that you, you can't handle if you put your mind to it. So as a woman in stem, I think the, the greatest thing that has helped me is setting boundaries. That means at work, that means at home. So at home, at work, that means sometimes, you know what, I have to leave at 5 or 4:30 because I have to pick up my kid from daycare. Right. So setting that boundary sometimes at home, you know, I need to finish my book. So my, my husband might have to, you know, step up at home because I got to finish my book. So sometimes my career has to take a backseat because I have to support my husband and sometimes my husband's time has to, he has to, you know, pick up more of the share of the housework or whatnot because my career has, is, is important this week. So it's very important to be vocal on the personal front, but also at work and then also surround yourself with positive support networks. I think it's very, very important to have a partner in life that is willing to support you in your career journey. Right. There's nothing I respect more than a man that is proud of his woman or daughter for, for rising or being technical and not being intimidated by it. I think it's so important especially, especially ladies who may be looking for a partner. Young ladies, if you're looking for your husband or wife, whichever way you put your partner, it's very, very important to have someone that supports you along the way and your career and is not going to be intimidated by your, by your accomplishments.

Fatima Bey: That is very important. If you're a young woman listening right now and you're not married yet and you're in a country like India or may some Nigeria, those are two popping my head up top my list. But where, you know, you are expected to be a wife, you are expected to start a family.

Fatima Bey: Okay. There's nothing wrong with that. However, if you can make a Choice. Because in different cultures, women don't have choices. But if you are out there and you can make a choice, what Punya just said is very critical.

Fatima Bey: Is he strong enough to allow you to be yourself? If he is not, that will get in the way of your advancement in any area, not just stem.

Punya Singh: Absolutely.

Fatima Bey: So if you were listening right now, young girls, and you have a choice of, of who you're going to marry, make sure that test him out. Make sure he can handle your advancement. Because if he cannot, he is too weak for you. Because some, some, some boys in men's bodies, which is what I call them, you know, they're still little boys on the inside. They might be a man on the outside, but the little boys on the inside, they don't know how to handle things. So you don't want them because they, those are the ones who end up being abusive. Those are the ones who end up holding you back because they don't want you to advance further than them. I'm just talking real to all the young girls that are out there right now. I am not talking to Americans or Canadians when I make that statement because we live in a different culture. I'm talking to the rest of the world, which is actually most of the world, who seek that and have a culture where you're expected to get married, blah, blah, blah. That's where they are. Make sure you're, you're making wise decisions because what Punya just said is so critical and making sure that you're picking you, you're, you're getting with someone who's going to actually support you. And that mutual support, I mean, everything.

Punya Singh: You just said was so important both ways. It's not, you know, you know, we want to support our men as well. It's good.

Punya Singh: It's not an inequality. Is that, is that what we're, we're targeting here? Doesn't mean like, I'm the women and I, I need, I'm only, I'm going to be supported. No, it's both ways.

Fatima Bey: Yes, absolutely. And that's so important that you said that too, because some people do think, unfortunately think that way. Well, the man should work hard and support me, and I should just be pretty and clean the house and that's all I got to do, right? No, you need to support each other. And how you support each other is going to look different everywhere you go. They're not always going to look the same, but supporting one another is very important. And again, this goes beyond stem. This goes beyond getting into a tech field. Just with any career, if you want to get into something that you're really passionate about.

Fatima Bey: So, Punya, is there anything right now? Just going to give you the floor to say anything you want to all the young women who are listening right now.

Punya Singh: I would say figure out what your passion is.

Punya Singh: I would say, you know, it's.

Punya Singh: I mean, it may not be stem. Right. You don't have to feel like, you know what stem, there's less women, and I have to do something that is where there's, you know, more women and whatnot. Figure out what you're passionate, what your passion is. If it is stem, then please, please take into account some of the things that Fatima and I have talked about. Don't, don't be afraid. You might be the only female, but that's okay, right? Research has shown women are not any less capable to learn math, science, or technology. Right. We're not anything less. So if that's what you want, go for it. Don't be afraid of the challenges.

Punya Singh: And, and you should be proud that if, if you do decide to go into stem, that you can be a mentor and an inspiration for other women. Because if we have women that go into stem, you'll have more, more other women that maybe go into STEM because they have more support networks and it becomes a domino effect. So, so I would say keep your eye on the, on your, on your dreams and, and don't be afraid of any of the challenges that may come your way.

Fatima Bey: Thank you for saying that. Now you are an author, can you tell us a little bit about that?

Punya Singh: Sure. So I recently wrote a book called Take youe Life Back Breaking the Chains of Societal Expectations. And it basically just talks about not necessarily following what society expects of you. So it could be a career, it could be not wanting to get married, it could be not wanting having kids. It could be any type of atypical life choice according to our societies.

Punya Singh: And it talks about some of the alternative perspectives. And one of the chapters does talk about STEM and how, you know, historically, men have dominated STEM careers and why women should, you know, be open to STEM and be encouraged to also pursue STEM careers. So. So, yeah, if anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out about the book.

Fatima Bey: And I can tell you all, having talked to Punya, quite a bit off air, she's got a whole lot to say and we have overlapping passions, which you probably heard when it comes to, you know, her particular areas of stem. But if you heard me over time, you know, I just love promoting our youth, but especially young women.

Fatima Bey: I strongly advise that you would reach. Just go ahead and take a look at her book.

Fatima Bey: She has a lot to say. So I know that she didn't just write this book out of because she was bored. She. She wrote this book because she has a lot within her that the rest of us need to hear. So some of you young women might actually benefit by hearing some of her words, her experiences and some of her wisdom. You only heard a tiny, tiny little crumb today.

Fatima Bey: So how, where do they find your book?

Punya Singh: It's on Amazon. So if you look me up, if you type in the, the title and my name, it should, should pop up.

Fatima Bey: And I will, I will put the link to that in the note, in the show notes in the podcast episode description so everyone can go ahead and take a look at that. Well, Sunni Punya, I just looked at a different name. I'm sorry. Punya.

Fatima Bey: Thank you for coming on today and I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to the audience.

Punya Singh: It's my pleasure. Thank you for having me, Fatima.

Fatima Bey: And now for a mind shifting moment, I want to plan a thought seed in your head right now.

Fatima Bey: I want you to think about the principle behind this episode.

Fatima Bey: If you are a young person or a parent of a young person, I want you to listen. Are you going into a field just because everybody else has gone into it? Are you seeking after a career position because you think you have to instead of what you actually want to do, instead of pursuing your actual dream? I want you to think long and hard about that choice. It is easier to go with the flow of everybody else, but you are the one who lives in its miserable aftermath because you'll be unhappy. I want every single one of you to pursue the career path, the business, whatever it is that you want to. Because why not? The only thing that can stop you is you.

Fatima Bey: Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Mindshift Power podcast on any of our worldwide podcasts platforms. So you too can be a part of the conversation that's changing young lives everywhere. And always remember, there's power in shifting your thinking.