The STEM Demystified Digital Portal is now live, a new home for real STEM stories made for teachers, educators, and curious young learners. Built to make STEM feel closer, friendlier, and genuinely possible, the portal brings together global role‑model stories, interactive exploration, and classroom‑ready inspiration. It’s a growing resource designed to help children see themselves in STEM, and to give educators an easy way to bring real‑world representation into lessons. Explore the portal at stemdemystified.com.
Welcome to STEM Demystified, a newsletter created to tackle women under-representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
I have been working in STEM for more than 15 years across multiple industries and being a woman in male dominant environments led me to face many hurdles and challenges.
Worldwide, men still dominate most of roles within different fields of STEM. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023*, women comprise only 29% of the STEM workforce in 146 nations evaluated, compared to 50% of non-STEM occupations.
Often, the lack of female role models, as well as a lack of information about potential opportunities are the main reasons why teenage girls do not look to pursue a career
within STEM (Women in Tech Survey 2023**).
STEM Demystified will showcase how women are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide. Through interviews with female STEM role models, the newsletter will not only help breaking stereotypes, but also will show the
variety of career paths within STEM.
Today, I would like to introduce you to Elissama Menezes (aka Eli)- our first STEM role model. Born and raised in the state of Bahia, Brazil, she grew up in a poor neighbourhood. Her fascination for encyclopaedias and the support from her hard-working mother led her to pursue a career in STEM, and this has changed her life.
Today she is a Climate and Shipping expert and the Director of Equal Routes.
Eli has extensive experience working at the intersection of environmental and social justice in both Brazil and Canada. She is a shaker and community builder who works in the climate and shipping space through a social justice approach informed by her experiences growing up in the favelas in Brazil and as a newcomer to Canada.
An Oceanographer by training, and a graduate in Marine Management, Eli supports civil society and the maritime sector by conducting research, advocating for change,
strategizing solutions, and engaging with communities across multiple forums.
What was your trajectory from school to where you currently are professionally or academically?
My educational journey is deeply rooted in the community where I grew up, where public schooling was supported by the collective efforts of all Brazilians through their tax contributions. From primary school to university, I attended public institutions, benefiting from the educational opportunities made possible by this collective investment.
Growing up, my neighbours often helped me with my homework while my mother worked tirelessly to support our family. At home, my mother instilled in me the belief that education was the key to transforming our lives, a message that deeply resonated with me. I was always enthusiastic about learning and dedicated to my studies.
The pivotal moment in my education came when I was 15 years old and transitioning to high school. I knew that if I wanted to change my circumstances, I needed to attend a better school. For a year, I studied relentlessly to pass the entrance exam for the Federal Institute of Bahia (IFBA). Once accepted, I faced the daunting task of keeping up with classmates who had received private education. The gap was substantial, and I found myself studying harder than ever before.
The intensity of this period took a toll on my health, as I struggled to balance academics with basic needs like eating and sleeping. My high school experience at IFBA was transformative. Renowned as a STEM hub in my region and a catalyst for critical political discussions in Brazil, it shaped me into the person I am today. The challenges I overcame during those years strengthened my determination and commitment to using education as a tool for personal and societal advancement.
What motivated you to get into STEM? Did you have a female role model or anyone who inspired you? If so, who?
Pursuing a career in Oceanography was a natural and heartfelt decision, driven by my deep passion for the ocean. My upbringing at a STEM-focused high school taught me that passion paves the way to purpose.
The ocean has always been my greatest fascination; I wanted to delve deeper into its mysteries and understand it better. This desire was rooted in my heart.
I draw inspiration from my mother and grandfather.
Despite not having formal higher education, their passion and curiosity were truly inspirational. My mother, a single parent raising three children, unwittingly integrated STEM principles into our daily lives.
She involved us in problem-solving around the house, whether it was fixing things, managing finances, or household management. She made it all seem effortless and empowering through her laughter and warm smile. Her approach instilled in me a sense of empowerment, an essential attribute for succeeding in STEM.
Although my grandfather passed away when I was young, he left a lasting impact on my career choice. He owned old encyclopaedias filled with illustrations of fishes and marine life, and we would spend hours flipping through them. He shared captivating stories
about these creatures, igniting my curiosity for the marine world and instilling in me a love for reading.
Both my mother and grandfather played significant roles in shaping my passion for Oceanography and fuelling my journey into STEM.
What’s your most important professional or academic achievement?
Reflecting on my professional journey, it’s challenging to pinpoint a single achievement, as there have been several significant milestones. One recent memorable
accomplishment was the moment I paid myself my first salary. After experiencing a challenging departure from an organization, I had long aspired to work for, I found myself supported by an incredible network and community. Through their guidance, I transitioned into a consulting role and, a year ago, co-founded an NGO
called Equal Routes with a mentor and friend.
This venture marked a turning point for me – a realization of my entrepreneurial vision and a testament to finding my voice and rhythm in my field.
Establishing my salary through this venture felt like a full-circle moment. While I’ve always found fulfilment in supporting others through my work, being able to sustain myself financially through my efforts brought a profound sense of achievement. It’s a reminder of the impact of community support in shaping one’s professional journey.
Did you face any challenge throughout your professional/academic journey? How did you overcome it?
Throughout my professional and academic journey, I’ve encountered a multitude of challenges—so many that I’ve lost count of the tears shed from feelings of inadequacy, doubt, and being out of place. These moments are all too familiar to anyone navigating the intersection of personal, professional, and social struggles.
My work journey began at the tender age of eight, when I started working informally – a reality often overlooked in discussions about education and career paths. For many young students like me, balancing academics with the demands of the working world is a constant challenge. And for others, like those responsible for caring for siblings or children at home, the journey becomes even more complex.
Overcoming these challenges has been a collective effort, requiring support from my community at every turn. I’ve been fortunate to have a loving family, supportive neighbours, inspiring teachers, and caring friends who have all played pivotal roles in my journey.
Additionally, mentors who were unafraid to show vulnerability have been invaluable in guiding me through tough times. While the challenges persist and evolve, with many now internal rather than external, I find solace in knowing that my community is always there to catch me when I fall.
Their unwavering support continues to propel me forward as I navigate the twists and turns of my personal and professional journey.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women into STEM?
The goal isn’t only to attract more women to STEM but to ensure they have the support and environment to thrive and succeed within the field. To achieve this, we may start by focusing on two key areas: embracing vulnerability and reimagining STEM from a women’s perspective.
STEM disciplines have historically been designed by a predominantly male worldview, with women often excluded from shaping its structures and influences. While women have always contributed to STEM, their voices have not been adequately represented in
its development.
To attract and retain more women, we need a systemic change – an approach that not only alters the disciplines within STEM but also the underlying patterns and interactions within them.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to embrace vulnerability within the STEM community. This means acknowledging and accepting limitations and imperfections. Too often, women in STEM spaces feel inadequate due to societal expectations and the pressure to conform to a certain standard.
While there have been improvements in recent years, there’s still a long way to go to ensure women are not side-lined.
By fostering an environment that values diversity, embraces vulnerability, and incorporates women’s perspectives into its fabric, we can create a more inclusive and equitable STEM field—one where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and
contribute to meaningful advancements.
What advice would you give to anyone looking into a career in STEM (or those who do not consider it)?
For anyone considering a career in STEM—or even those who haven’t yet—my primary piece of advice is to find your people, your community. The journey through STEM can be incredibly rewarding yet challenging, and having a network of mentors, friends, and supporters is invaluable.
My path has been shaped and supported by an incredible group of individuals: Wagner Magalhães , Andrew Dumbrille , Clara Dourado, Beatriz Bispo, Omar El-Temtamy, Jose Maria Landim Dominguez , Julia Steele Allen, Bunmi Adijat, Nayla Patrizzi, Bruna Improta, Anylson Gomes, Cely Vianna, Suane Santos, Rebecca Dane, Barbara Warkentine, Marriam Abou-El-Haj, Lydia Nelson , Lily Raines, Gillian Goddard, Rachel Wang, Freda Fung, Bryan Comer, just to name a few. Each of these people has played a pivotal role in my career, offering guidance, encouragement, inspiration, and support every step of the way.
Your community will be your foundation, providing the support system you need to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and everything in between. They are the ones who will push you forward, lift you up during tough times, and cheer you on as you achieve your goals. So, my advice? Seek out those who inspire you, those who challenge you, and those who support you.
Eli has a powerful story of how education can change lives. I’m sure many can take inspiration from her journey so far to date.
