International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
It’s also a time to reflect on the further progress needed to achieve gender equality. Women are underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), for example. In health care, about 37% of active physicians were women in 2021, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. In certain medical specialties, women make up an even smaller percentage.
The number of women in STEM occupations is growing, but closing the gender gap will take meaningful and sustainable action. This includes promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment and retention of women, as well as improving work-life balance and addressing unconscious biases.
At Babson Diagnostics™, we believe in science that serves. The company is named after Art Babson, who revolutionized diagnostic science with a focus on producing accurate, repeatable results. One of our core values is the belief that scientific rigor can never be compromised.
We want to take this moment to recognize the talented women at Babson who have invested in our mission to make health easier for all by making blood testing accessible, more convenient and less invasive. We asked a few to share their stories of how they became interested in science and what it means to be a part of the scientific community:
Amber Duran, Medical Laboratory Scientist
“Science was always my favorite subject growing up. A friend introduced me to the clinical lab world, and I started working as a lab assistant. I knew right away working in a lab is what I love to do. Unfortunately, clinical lab science (CLS) programs were not widely talked about as a major in college, and it took me 2 years to realize I was in the wrong major. I immediately changed my major, applied, and was accepted to the Texas State CLS program.
When I passed my certification exam, I was ready to make a difference in health care. Medical lab scientists work behind the scenes, running lab tests and analyzing patient samples with the utmost focus on delivering accurate and precise results. Lab scientists can feel underappreciated at times, and I always remind myself that testing allows doctors to make an accurate diagnosis. The scientific community can be challenging but opportunities are endless. Science is all around us.”
Leanna DeLeonardis, Manager of Laboratory Operations
“When I was in elementary school, one of my favorite presents was a microscope that projected onto the wall. With the microscope, I looked at all sorts of samples I collected from a local creek. My love of scoping out the “unseen” and animals was leading me on a path to be a veterinarian that took a happy detour to the laboratory world.
Having more women in the scientific community means new perspectives and the potential for the next big development. More women in the scientific community means continued empowerment and making it easier for the next generation of women interested in science.”
Hattie McKenzie, Scientist
“Ever since I was a young girl, I was constantly asking “Why?” I craved to know and understand the phenomena of the natural world around me. This curiosity is what has drawn and kept me in the scientific community.
We need more women in science because we bring a unique perspective to the community that helps stir new ideas and push scientific progress along.”
Lindsay Warren, Medical Laboratory Technician
“After I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in sociology, I landed a job as a teacher and counselor working with kids from various backgrounds who were court ordered to live in a residential facility. While I loved working with the kids, I decided to switch fields and work at a hospital doing direct patient care. During this time, I learned a lot about myself. While caring for these patients, I realized I enjoyed learning about their vitals, charting, disease states, and recovery from a scientific and analytical perspective. I knew I still wanted to be part of their care but from a more behind-the-scenes, "figure it out" way. I joined a Laboratory Program in 2018 and never looked back. I am very fortunate to have found my place in the scientific community helping people in a way meaningful to me.
We need more women in the scientific community to provide different perspectives, skills, and knowledge that will assist with change and growth in research, medicine, products, and health outcomes.”