We need heroes.

​

Pioneers who blaze trails and inspire us to follow their footsteps. However, in traditionally male-dominated fields such as science, medicine, government and business, the heroes we hear about most often are men. Einstein, Pasteur, Roosevelt, Rockefeller... Where are the role models who demonstrate capability isn't correlated to gender? Countless women who have changed the world were molded right here at Johns Hopkins University, but many of us don't know them.

​

Previously, our team inaugurated a series of workshops across Hopkins aimed at spreading awareness about barriers faced by women in STEM fields. We reviewed social science articles and facilitated discussions about how implicit gender bias is inhibiting innovation at Hopkins. Our workshops culminated in a seminar from Dr. Jo Handelsman, the White House's Associate Director of Science and Technology Policy. Handelsman outlined several methods to address gender discrimination in science at both the federal and local levels, including the importance of art as a means to recognize female pioneers.

 

Now our team is following up on this momentum, using the blank walls and empty spaces of this campus as a canvas to illuminate the successes of the women of Hopkins. With support from the Diversity Leadership Council, we commissioned a 600 square foot art installation highlighting 23 of Hopkins' most accomplished women. We will unveil this installation at the Mattin Center on Homewood campus in mid-Fall 2016. This project is a way for the Hopkins community to celebrate our women heroes, and to inspire the next generations of female scientists, medical researchers, artists, politicians, and business leaders.

​

Lend us your voice in celebrating these awe inspiring women as a valuable part of Hopkins' cultural heritage. Share, Tweet, or email us your reaction to the project.