What Does Representation Mean to Me?

Representation is critical.

Representation is critical. It can serve as a means of support and validation, it illustrates what is possible, and it helps to break down stereotypes. However, representation is only one milestone on the road to equity, and it must be prioritized to move toward the ultimate destination.

Early in my career at NIH, I interacted with a female IC leader who was unapologetically herself. She was a straight shooter, honest and unafraid to speak her mind, not to mention a fabulous mentor who lifted me up in the best way. While I had seen men in equivalent roles take a similar approach, I had never noticed a female leader doing so. I found this incredibly refreshing, eye-opening, and inspiring.

Empowering through representation.

Most of my scientific advisors and career advocates have been men, which illustrates that you don’t have to be a woman to support and encourage women; in fact, it’s critical that we don’t exclude half the population as potential career advocates and mentors. That said, there is clearly a special relationship when someone personally understands our experiences and makes a conscious effort to support us. Throughout each stage of my career, I have been lucky enough to have peer groups of strong, smart, accomplished, ambitious, infinitely capable women. When I was a post-doctoral fellow, there were five women graduate students and post-docs in the lab, all of whom are full professors now. The five of us ate lunch together most days—we shared experiences, complained together, and encouraged each other. When I started my first independent lab, I again had the benefit of being part of a large group of approximately 12 women, mostly junior faculty members. We met regularly and exchanged victories and injustices, providing insight and support for one another. It was empowering to have this community of women who were at a similar career stage to me, figuring out how to make it work as scientists and have lives beyond our jobs. When I arrived at NIH, I was again surrounded by incredibly capable women scientists, some of whom were my own mentees. Last year I became a Scientific Director, and the other women SDs reached out to offer support, encouragement, and the benefit of their experiences. I cannot overemphasize the importance of women peer mentors throughout my career. It takes a real generosity of spirit for someone to go beyond what is required for their own success and offer support and community to those around them, but at times, this has been the critical element that kept me moving forward. I am grateful for all the very talented women who have shown me this generosity.

If you see her, you can be her.

In my life, I have been a beneficiary of representation on multiple levels and have been a representative for some in the pathway. In my mind, representation equals can do. A picture or visual is worth a thousand words. However, when it comes to empowerment, confidence, and belief that something is achievable, the recognition that someone that you share characteristics with has accomplished the potential desired goal is invaluable. To borrow from the vernacular: “if you can see her, you can be her.”

Paying it forward.

I cannot think of just one woman who was a great role model. For as long as I can remember, a woman has always encouraged and helped me be my best. My mother, aunts, grandmothers, teachers, friends, classmates, sorority sisters, colleagues, and supervisors all played a role in my professional journey and guided me to where I am today. I try to emulate all my role models and help pave the road for someone else. As Director of the NIH Ethics Office, I intend to encourage the next generation of leaders.