June is National Immigrant Heritage Month. It is a time when people are encouraged to learn more about the history of America’s diverse and varied immigrant communities and to observe this month with activities that remind us of the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The 2023 conference edition of Women of Color magazine featured Yagna Pathak, a medical affairs manager at Abbott.
Pathak grew up in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates until she was 11, before moving to Chicago with her family.
Her transition to a new country was difficult, but she learned the importance of making genuine connections when making friends.
During her college years, Pathak noticed how her migration experience intersected with the challenges faced by women in STEM careers.
Despite being exposed to inspiring role models and encouraged to prioritize education by her parents, Pathak found that women of color were underrepresented in STEM fields.
This disparity became evident to her when she joined the National Science Foundation and experienced the gender bias that women in STEM often face.
Pathak confronted the underrepresentation by advocating for herself and speaking up, choosing to be a part of the group of women actively working to change the status quo.
By 2018, she was utilizing her experiences to contribute to a more inclusive environment, leading a diverse team to improve the experiences of patients affected by debilitating diseases through the development of Neurosphere technology.
In a recent interview, Pathak emphasized that the development of Neurosphere technology was made possible by the right people coming together at the right time.
As a proud member of the STEM community, she stands as a testament to the achievements of women of color in the field, demonstrating their dedication and passion for their work.
