On February 11th, 2023, International Women in STEM Day, the Dawoodi Bohras of Los Angeles honored five incredible women who have been at the forefront of change in their organization. Each of these women has been in her respective field for over a decade and contributed to her industry's growth while keeping pace with the developments of modern times At an in-house ceremony, the office of Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel recognized these women with a certificate of appreciation. In addition, these five ladies spent an afternoon speaking to young girls of the local Dawoodi Bohra community, chronicling their careers and what inspired them to pursue their professions. Through their hard work and dedication they continue to inspire future generations of girls to follow in their footsteps.
The afternoon ended with students doing an activity to show how collaboration is essential in the STEM industry. In the past, one scientist would make a discovery, but today entire teams work collaboratively to create something new. Students were divided into two teams and given a box of straws and a packet of marshmallows. They were tasked with making a structure using the tools at their disposal. By working together, both teams eventually built a standing structure. However, the winning team had initially spent time drawing a blueprint prior to putting the structure together. Doing this preliminary work was time well spent because although both structures eventually collapsed, the winning design held for a few minutes longer than the opposing team's. Judges examined both structures and made their decision on the more sustainable design.
Deborah Lopez, a representative from the office of Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel and a former Mayor of Agoura Hills, presented honorary certificates to local community women in STEM which included: Insiyah Jamali, Rashida Madraswala, Farida Bambot, Munira Bhaijeewala, and Dr. Tasneem Poonawala. Addressing the young girls present, she urged them to never let any obstacle stop them from dreaming big and believing they could achieve whatever they set their hearts on. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 27% is the average National statistic of women in STEM jobs. However, that statistic is much higher within the Dawoodi Bohra community. These ladies are representative of a great number of other women in STEM, and the Los Angeles community celebrates and honors them all.
