Sister, an online media platform amplifying the voices of gender minorities in STEM
The problem
Previously the editor of a science magazine, I noticed the lack of diverse STEM voices in the media — and the overwhelming demand for them.
Meanwhile, media aimed at “women in STEM” often failed to reflect the true diversity of this group, leaving many gender minorities in STEM feeling isolated in their experiences.
The solution
I started Sister in 2018 as an online, independent media platform amplifying the voices of gender minorities in STEM. Sister puts the narrative into the hands of gender minorities in STEM — a space to share lived experiences, expand the conversation, and use storytelling to transform STEM for the better.
What sets it apart? Sister goes where typical STEM publications do not, publishing original essays, op-eds, and interviews on STEM’s most pressing issues: equity & inclusion, sexual harassment, mental health, scholar activism, and more.
The impact
I started Sister with the belief that narratives shape reality. So, can media really make a difference? The answer is yes. Sister has successfully:
- Increased feeling of belonging for authors and readers
- Served as a channel to advocate for change in STEM
- Provided a low-barrier access point to publishing for early-career STEM professionals
The strong engagement with Sister also demonstrates its impact:
- Published 90+ articles by gender minorities in STEM
- Earned 70K+ website views
- Gained nearly 8K highly engaged Twitter followers
The keys to this impact have been:
- Illuminating lived experiences
- Highlighting intersectional perspectives
- Continuously learning from the community and the broader ongoing movement to make STEM more equitable and inclusive
Recogntion and Partnerships
Some highlights have been working with and being recognized by the wider community:
- Partnering with Science Rising (a Union of Concerned Scientists-led coalition) to publish three partnered article series on topics related to science advocacy ahead of the 2020 U.S. elections
- Winning a Peggy Girshman Idea Grant from the National Association of Science Writers and producing a grant-funded series on gatekeeping in STEM
- Having four Sister articles win Best Shortform Science Writing awards alongside essays from major publications like the New York Times
- Presenting a poster on Sister at the 2019 Equity in STEM Community Convening
- Having Sister included as a resource in the NSF-funded Inclusive Science Communication Starter Kit
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez retweeting Sister!
What I can apply to your program, project, or campaign
- Writing, editing, and producing editorial content
- Strong online engagement and community-building
- Real-time knowledge of the equity in STEM conversation
- My large network of gender minorities in STEM and allies
- Experience and sensitivity working with groups historically excluded from STEM