June 3, 2025

STEM's Massive Talent Drain: An Insider's Wake-Up Call on Losing Women with Andrea Mohamed

STEM's Massive Talent Drain: An Insider's Wake-Up Call on Losing Women with Andrea Mohamed
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STEM's Massive Talent Drain: An Insider's Wake-Up Call on Losing Women with Andrea Mohamed

Have you heard these myths about women in STEM? Myth 1: Women leave STEM careers because they prioritize family over work. Myth 2: Women lack the skills and aptitude for STEM fields. Myth 3: Women don't want leadership roles in STEM. But wait, I've got the truth that's going to blow your mind. Stay tuned to uncover the reality behind these myths and discover the game-changing strategies for retaining and empowering women in STEM. Get ready for a paradigm shift.

In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Mastering the art of retaining women in STEM careers.

  • Unveiling the impact of workplace culture on STEM retention.

  • Empowering with strategies for increasing female leadership in STEM.

  • Confronting gender bias in corporate environments.

  • Navigating the transition from corporate to co-founder in STEM.

My special guest is Andrea Mohamed

Andrea Mohamed is the Co-Founder and COO of QuantumBloom, a company dedicated to helping employers retain early-career women in STEM fields.

Previously, as VP of Strategy, Innovation, Marketing and Communications at for a science and research organization, she drove growth strategies that increased revenue from $400M to $750M. She also led a 3,000-person organizational transformation and managed a $10M innovation portfolio.

Andrea is known for creating cultures where authenticity, accountability, and adaptability thrive. She serves on the Semiconductor Research Corporation's Workforce Advisory Board; speaks frequently on the topics of STEM, women, and innovation; and is a NC Women in Business Awardee.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:02:11 - "Challenges in STEM"
00:04:09 - "Andrea's Insights on STEM Retention"
00:11:43 - "Reframing Imposter Syndrome"
00:12:50 - Impact of external signals on women
00:14:49 - Responsibility of senior women leaders
00:19:37 - Risk of inaction and the need for courage
00:21:51 - Challenging societal norms and expectations
00:24:58 - Transition from corporate America to Quantum Bloom
00:26:00 - Creating a Digital Marketing Machine
00:27:03 - Striving for Success in Corporate America
00:29:00 - Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
00:32:03 - Gender Disparities in Corporate Promotions
00:38:37 - Self-Worth and Empowerment
00:39:34 - Breaking Free from Gender Socialization
00:40:13 - Gender Bias in Performance Reviews
00:41:52 - Gender-based Privilege and Allyship

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Lori Adams-Brown, Host & Executive Producer

A World of Difference Podcast