Women in Robotics launched a grassroots campaign over three years ago with the goal of increasing the number of women in the IT sector, particularly in the male-dominated robotics profession. The organization, which is now a worldwide nonprofit network, is launching its newest chapter in San Antonio.
The sole chapter of Women in Robotics (WiR) in Texas is located in San Antonio.
According to Stephanie Garcia, business development and communications expert for Port San Antonio, which assisted in launching the San Antonio endeavor, the city was a perfect spot for the organization to flourish because it was home to both established educational institutions and a rapidly expanding tech industry.
According to census data, the proportion of women in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and math—and particularly in robotics, has historically been low. Women in Robotics, however, aims to contribute to this transformation.
"To bring together a community that was siloed at one point," is the group's stated mission, according to Garcia, who also mentioned how difficult it used to be for women to enter into the tech sector due to its isolation.
The WiR branch in San Antonio will hold exhibitions and seminars, industry- and school-based robotics competitions, and mentorship opportunities through NGOs like Girls Inc. of San Antonio and FIRST Robotics.
According to Garcia, "connecting and engaging with younger females" is one of the program's main objectives. The organization's goal is to assist local kids in all San Antonio-area schools, starting with Lutheran High School of San Antonio, which participates in the FIRST Robotics program.
"Everyone has a place in robotics," she continued. According to the group's website, nonbinary individuals are allowed to join any of its branches.
Leading new initiatives with educational institutions like as Lutheran, WiR has already started enabling students to embark on a STEM career path under the guidance of an industry professional. Students have the opportunity to engage in competitive programming and robotics building activities with mentors from across the nation, both locally and virtually.
FIRST Robotics, a New Hampshire-based organization, was one of the initial partners in this endeavor. Its goal is to use robotics competitions to expose students to the STEM fields. The company and WiR are now collaborating to enhance the educational experience for students.
FIRST Robotics, a New Hampshire-based organization, was one of the initial partners in this endeavor. Its goal is to use robotics competitions to expose students to the STEM fields. The company and WiR are now collaborating to enhance the educational experience for students.
It isn't exclusive to FIRST. The main goal of this chapter, according to Garcia, is to mentor these young women in STEM and encourage them in pursuing their career goals.
After more than ten years working in customer service, Ivy Vasquez Sandoval, a mentor in the chapter, chose to begin her career in technology. She is a native of San Antonio and a graduate of the public education system in the city. She was selected to be a member of the WiR San Antonio chapter. She is currently in a leadership position at Plus One Robotics, a robotics company that specializes in parcel handling.
Vasquez Sandoval utilizes her voice to advocate for diverse representation in the STEM fields because she was not given the opportunity to pursue a career in STEM in high school and instead entered the field later in life through an unconventional path.
"Shining a light on working women and professionals and their current status will encourage and reassure these young children that they too can achieve success," Vasquez Sandoval stated.
Vasquez Sandoval stated that Port San Antonio, located on the South Side of the city and where she grew up, is a great place to explore San Antonio's rich cultural past.
Vasquez Sandoval stated, "It's critical to acknowledge that this is a Chicano community that shouldn't be disregarded as the tech community expands." "There are numerous outreach and involvement opportunities for lower-engaged ethnic groups in the tech sector."
The Latino and Black communities are the most underrepresented in STEM, according to a 2020 National Science Board assessment.
Vasquez Sandoval remarked, "I understand what it's like to have few people in the room who are similar to you." "I found my own journey as a transgender woman."
The goal of WiR to work with regional businesses is indicative of San Antonio's rise in the robotics sector.
Vasquez Sandoval stated, "The vibrant start-up scene we are witnessing is due to a small number of companies." "In order for us to take advantage of what is happening here in town, for the benefit of everybody, the world needs to see it."
WiR's partnership with organizations such as Girls Inc. and FIRST Robotics aims to raise awareness among K–12 students about the opportunities available to women in STEM.
Social media has benefited individuals interested in computing careers by providing greater information on how to transition into a tech career, especially as STEM careers gain popularity.
The WiR program offers some of the finest female and nonbinary voices from the industry around the nation to mentor incoming participants on their own journeys, with the purpose of lowering hesitancy among women over their career ambitions in STEM.
At an event on March 21, where keynote speakers and panels will have the opportunity to interact with those interested in the chapter, the WiR San Antonio branch will formally begin.
