Bianca Cefalo at WomenTech Global Awards 2020

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Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Tech: A Talk with Bianca

Having spent a decade as a rocket scientist and contributing to countless missions sponsored by leading space agencies such as NASA, Bianca has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. She stands as a staunch youth mentor, public speaker, and advocate for women in tech and continues to drive forward on her mission to inspire and empower the next generation of fierce female leaders both on Earth and beyond.

Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Tech

Bianca candidly shares her journey, moving from Italy to Berlin, London, and eventually the United States. In the male-dominated space industry, she highlights the struggles faced by many women. As explained by Bianca, to drive innovation, especially disruptive innovation, it is not just about revolutionizing systems or designing new instruments. It’s about change that will push humanity forward, on Earth and beyond.

She expresses that women, especially those who don't fit into the societal mold, must understand how they have to stand their own ground from a social and cultural perspective. She narrates a couple of anecdotes from her life to elucidate the point.

Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Unconventionality

As a child, she found a Picasso painting that her mother had hung to be ugly because it was different. However, after taking the time to understand and see the painting from a different angle each day, she found it beautiful in its difference.

Bianca emphasizes this lesson by stating, "The more we embrace our own weirdness, diversity, and any other unique quality, the more chances we have to create something never seen before," she says.

Standing Firm for Change

Having often been the youngest, and the only woman in the boardroom, Bianca recounts being looked at like an alien. However, she clarifies that this is not a reflection of the women themselves, but a result of stagnant societal norms and traditions. She calls on women to stand their ground, and to speak up when their ideas and perspectives feel different or 'weird.'

"Anytime we don't feel like we want to speak up or share an innovative idea because it feels weird and different, that's exactly the moment when we have to do it," Bianca affirms. "

Innovation: A Different Perspective

  • Accept your unique personality and way of thinking, acting, and speaking.
  • Look at problems from a different angle - do not stick to traditions, but innovate in unexplored areas.
  • Use your difference and unique points as a source of creativity to stand out among others.

Conclusion

Bianca insists that creativity is crucial to success in any industry and field, especially in tech, and it comes from accepting and celebrating one's unique qualities. She ends her speech by encouraging every individual to create a surprise effect and help pave the way for future generations to follow – to show that they, too, can bring change and make a difference.


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