Persevere, Survive, & Thrive: Hard-Won Wisdom from Women in Science

For aspiring scientists and science leaders alike, a powerful collection of stories from a diverse group of authors that details the ups and downs experienced by women in STEM--and offers insight into how to make the field more inclusive for all.

Imagine walking into a lab or a lecture hall and realizing you’re the only woman there. For most women in the sciences, this is not a difficult thing to envision; rather, it’s a familiar reality. Here, fifteen writers representing a wide range of women in STEM, from early-career researchers to accomplished leaders, offer authentic, personal reflections on the obstacles they’ve faced in this traditionally male-dominated field.

These powerful narratives address critical themes--imposter syndrome, balancing personal responsibilities with professional ambitions, and navigating systemic biases such as sexism and racism--and span continents and cultures, illustrating the diversity of experiences while highlighting shared threads of resilience, courage, and the power of mentorship. Through these stories, readers--not just women in STEM but all those committed to building more inclusive and equitable workplaces--will gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of women in science and the role we can all play in creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Deeply personal yet universally relatable, Persevere, Survive & Thrive is a celebration of courage and persistence--and the power of sharing stories to inspire change.

The Stories of Women in Fluids (SOWIF) Initiative began with a simple but powerful belief: that sharing our stories could spark change. As a collective of women in fluid dynamics, we aim to make our scientific community more inclusive, welcoming, and representative of the diverse world we live in by using our voices to uplift and amplify the experiences of others in our field. Through written narratives and community-driven engagement, SOWIF is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and reminding those already in the field that they are not alone. At our heart, this initiative is about connection - connecting across generations, disciplines, and identities to build a future in science where everyone has a seat at the table.

Kelli Hendrickson, ScD, PCC is a fluid dynamicist, coach, and storyteller at heart. As the founder and principal instigator of the Stories of Women in Fluids (SOWIF) Initiative, she created a platform to uplift and celebrate the journeys of women--especially women of color--in fluid dynamics. Her career path began in ocean engineering at MIT and continues today as a Research Associate Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. Alongside her research, Kelli works as a career and leadership coach, supporting women with STEM PhDs in building careers that are purposeful, balanced, and deeply fulfilling. Through SOWIF and coaching, she’s committed to changing the narrative--and the future--for women in science.