Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is a crucial field of education and industry that drives progress, supports economic growth, and solves complex global challenges through its focus on critical thinking and problem-solving. In this sector, technological advancements and creative ideas shape the future – and the industry relies heavily on dedicated individuals who display ingenuity and leadership. But it’s a male-dominated realm. In 2021, men represented approximately 65% of those employed in STEM occupations, while women accounted for about 35%.
Olga Korosteleva is working to change that. Her rare blend of intellectual prowess and entrepreneurial spirit has made her an integral figure in STEM innovation management and an inspiration to women struggling to find their place in the male-dominated STEM workforce. The EmpowerHer STEM Mentorship Program is a targeted initiative with a clear mission: to support and guide young women who aspire to pursue careers in STEM. This program is a response to the historical gender gap that has persisted in these fields for many years. It is dedicated to narrowing this gap by providing mentorship, valuable resources, and networking opportunities to young women who are passionate about STEM.
At the helm of this program is Olga Korosteleva, a seasoned business analyst and innovator within the STEM field. Olga brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program, making her a strong leader and role model for aspiring young women in STEM.
Olga holds a Master’s degree in Economics with a focus on Financial Management, where she earned a 3.99 GPA and developed a deepening interest in the application of financial principles to emerging technologies. She recognized the potential of innovation in shaping economies and industries, and thus ventured into the specialized field of innovation management.
Olga took part in a specialized program where she secured a full scholarship and mastered the practical aspects of innovation. It was here that she honed her skills and understanding of the practical aspects of managing and fostering innovation in various sectors. She quickly began versed in existing methodologies and learned to develop a keen sense for identifying and nurturing novel ideas.
And that came to fruition when she co-founded Inneco-SUSU, a company focused on leading and managing innovative ideas in the STEM fields, including science and information technology, with an emphasis on innovation management. Under Olga’s leadership as CEO, Inneco-SUSU was able to evaluate and commercialize innovative projects.
Inneco-SUSU became a crucible where academic theories and models were tested and applied in real-world scenarios. Olga’s role involved intricate tasks like mathematical and statistical modeling, financial assessments, and developing strategies for commercialization. The new company thrived due to Olga’s ability to understand and predict market trends, combined with her skill in assessing the financial viability of innovative projects.
(Photo by Vladimir Vedin)
Olga continued her journey in the STEM field, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a unique perspective shaped by her experiences. Now she serves as a Business Analyst at KGS, LLC, where she employs her extensive knowledge in mathematical, financial, and statistical modeling. Her role involves conducting comprehensive assessments and analyses of innovative projects, to improve business processes, aiding organizations in understanding the commercial potential and feasibility of their ventures. Her work is crucial in guiding companies through the intricate process of innovation, from idea generation to market implementation.
While she has achieved impressive success, Olga recognizes that women are still notably underrepresented in her field. In college, the majority of students majoring in most STEM fields are men, with a significant gender disparity especially notable in rapidly growing and high-paying future careers such as computer science and engineering. Her mentor program EmpowerHer STEM is dedicated to guiding and supporting young women aspiring to careers in these fields.
Stories like Olga’s, however, are an indication that there is progress – although she emphasizes that for a woman to succeed in a male-dominated realm is no easy feat. For Olga, a deep understanding of financial and statistical models, combined with her practical experience in managing and commercializing innovation, is what set her apart and helped her triumph in the field of STEM innovation management. Olga exemplifies the potential of academic knowledge when applied in entrepreneurial contexts, and her journey demonstrates how theory and practice can synergistically lead to groundbreaking innovations.
“Success is a journey of routine and daily tasks that require consistency and self-discipline,” Olga says. “Entrepreneurship involves becoming a ruthless manager for yourself. You’ll never achieve meaningful results if your inner boss is overly lenient.”
That drive is what has propelled her to a point of inspiration and encouragement for other women who are pursuing careers in STEM fields. Olga has shown that women have the ability to lead and transform the STEM landscape, break barriers, and set new standards as STEM continues to evolve.
Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgakorosteleva/
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