The Power of Allyship in STEM: A Reflection

Be an Ally. Build bridges, lift others up, and make space for everyone at the table. The power of Allyship isn’t just changing someone’s career, it’s in changing lives

Just 7 months into my role at the BBC, I was invited to speak at the BBC Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) annual lectures on a topic close to my heart: The Power of Allyship in STEM. Sharing this space with so many incredible speakers and attendees was both humbling and inspiring.

✨ Storm Fagan, BBC Chief Product Officer & BBC WiSTEM Executive Sponsor, opened the day with a powerful address that set the tone for the importance of inclusivity and innovation.

✨ Philip Robinson, my allyship co-lead, explored “Conscious Commonality.” His insights on finding shared values and goals resonated deeply, offering practical advice on building bridges in our workplaces and communities.

✨ Dr Ezra Clark, representing UNESCO, reminded us of the global stakes in achieving equity in STEM, particularly through his leadership of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme.

✨ Richardson Anne, from the EBU, painted a compelling vision of how public service media can play a leading role in shaping opportunities for women in STEM.

✨ Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, CEO of Stemettes, delivered a standout talk about the critical role education plays in inspiring the next generation of female innovators. Her words were a rallying cry for us all to rethink what STEM representation looks like.

What Is a STEM Ally?

A STEM ally actively supports diversity and inclusion, regardless of their own gender, background, or role. Allies amplify voices, challenge biases, and create environments where everyone can thrive. Importantly, allies aren’t saviours—they’re collaborators, recognising that diversity isn’t just good for people; it’s essential for innovation.

My Journey

Growing up in a small Welsh town, I didn’t have many role models in STEM, let alone allies. I was even told by a career advisor that "girls don’t really do IT." Despite the odds, allies eventually found me, championing me when I needed it most.

Some of my most impactful allies have been colleagues like Rob, who taught me the power of empathy in leadership, and David, who pushed me into challenging situations where I discovered my potential. Morna who taught me a lot around tenacity and grit when I was at Dyson. Leanne & various other leaders teaching me about knowing my own worth and to keep on striving towards my goals.

The Role of Sibling Allyship

The most consistent ally in my life has been my brother, James. Growing up, we bonded over lego, computer games (Age of empires) and secret dens, but his true influence came later in his career. James, my brother, taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and allyship through his own journey in emotional intelligence.

One standout moment was when a leader gave James direct but empathetic feedback on a gender-biased job advert he’d written. That interaction sparked his awareness of how subtle biases impact diversity. Since then, he’s balanced his technical brilliance with emotional intelligence, mentoring others (including me) and championing inclusion.

James also introduced me to Kim Scott’s Radical Candor, a framework that underpins many of the lessons I’ve learned about allyship:

1. Care Personally, Challenge Directly – Show genuine empathy while offering honest feedback.

2. Recognise Rockstars and Superstars – Celebrate both steady contributors and ambitious go-getters.

3. Be Proactive, Not Performative – Allyship is about consistent action, not grand gestures.

4. Foster Psychological Safety – Create spaces where people feel safe to share ideas, fail, and grow.

5. Call Out Bias With Empathy – Address inequities firmly but respectfully to inspire cultural shifts.

   
   

Moving Forward

Allyship is about more than changing careers, it’s about changing lives. By building bridges, lifting others up, and making space for everyone, we can create a future where diversity drives innovation and success.

As Sheryl Sandberg once said, “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.” We’re not there yet, but with the power of allyship, I believe we can get closer every day.

Let’s be the allies who make that vision a reality.