01 April 2021
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One of the latest of forty participants to be selected to the STEMAZING Inspiration Academy is Nichola Smithson of Dean and Wood. A four-month programme designed to empower women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - STEMAZING helps participants shine as visible role models and inspire young people through fun, interactive online STEM sessions for children aged between five and nine.
Smithson, a business development manager at Dean and Wood, a Beijer Ref company, comments: "It’s a great chance to spark younger people’s interest in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, and to show what an interesting, challenging and rewarding career it offers. I feel there’s a real lack of education and awareness about the world of temperature control; in fact, it’s all around us and critical to providing health and wellbeing to all our lives. Because refrigeration and air conditioning, indirectly and directly, plays such a huge part in the world around us, the industry is an ideal platform to promote STEMAZING and its values. Undoubtedly it has historically been a male-dominated arena that has bred some bias, conscious or unconscious, though I’m fortunate to work in an organisation that promotes equality and diversity.
“I have had, and still have, some fantastic male mentors who have consistently encouraged me in everything I do. Equally, I currently work alongside some amazing female leaders and mentors. “Beijer Ref is constantly challenging and adapting work processes and procedures by sharing creative thinking from all parts of the business. STEMAZING gives me an opportunity to not only promote our exciting industry into schools to inspire the next generation into STEM, but it also provides me with new skills and tools to bring back into our organisation to ensure its successful, inclusive and diverse future.”
