Kseniia Minakova, a promoter of STEM education in Ukraine and a professor at the Department of Micro- and Nanoelectronics at NTU «KhPI», took part in the all-Ukrainian Conference «Women in STEM: from dream to action». She made a presentation on the motivation of women in science. The scientist from Kharkiv Polytechnic spoke about her own experience of overcoming challenges, including during russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, and shared her secrets of moving towards a dream. Other topics discussed at the event included the connection between science and creativity, the importance of adaptability in modern science, effective career development strategies in STEM, emotion management, overcoming obstacles, etc. The conference brought together more than fifty representatives from different regions of Ukraine: students, young scientists, participants of the mentoring program «STEM Girls», leading experts and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Kseniia Minakova, Professor of Micro- and Nanoelectronics department at NTU «KhPI», made a presentation at the All-Ukrainian conference «Women in STEM: From Dream to Action». She spoke about her own path in science, her motivations in pursuit of her dream. The scientist emphasized the importance of understanding that there are no boundaries for women who want to act, either in life or in science, because the main thing is to have motivation and passion for the work. It is they who help to overcome all challenges and difficulties and confidently achieve their goals. As the head of the Interdepartmental Laboratory of Optics and Photonics of NTU «KhPI», Professor Kseniia Minakova told the forum participants about the restoration and development of this department of Kharkiv Polytechnic.
Leading scientists, heads of technology companies, teachers, and researchers shared their success stories. They discussed the connection between science and creativity; the importance of adaptability in modern science and decision-making under uncertainty; effective strategies for career development in STEM, emotional management, and overcoming challenges, etc. The conference brought together more than fifty representatives from different regions of Ukraine: students, young scientists, participants of the «Girls STEM» mentoring program, leading experts and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The forum has become a platform for sharing experiences, inspiration, and new acquaintances that contribute to the career and personal development of women in STEM.
As the conference participants noted, women today play a key role in the development of science and technology in Ukraine. Such events contribute to the formation of a strong community where young professionals can receive support, valuable advice and inspiration for further professional development.
Kseniia Minakova, professor at NTU «KhPI», expresses her gratitude to the forum organizers for the opportunity to be part of a wonderful community of STEM girls and share her experience, as the support and energy of each participant inspires her to move towards her dream. «I was glad to meet my like-minded people here who understand that true leadership is not only action, but also love for what you do!» the scientist said.
Note:
The All-Ukrainian Conference «Women in STEM: From Dream to Action» was held on 27March, 2025 in Kyiv. The forum was organized by the Center for CSR Development within the framework of the «Girls STEM» initiative with the support of the general partner company SAP.
«Girls STEM» is an initiative founded by the Center for CSR Development in 2016. It is aimed at overcoming gender stereotypes in choosing a profession and increasing girls’ belief in their own abilities and the opportunity to build a STEM career in Ukraine. The project brings together girls and women from all over Ukraine who are passionate about STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The STEM acronym means «Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics». These areas are at the heart of this educational methodology. At the same time, these disciplines are not studied separately, as usual, but in a complex. The practical application of the knowledge gained is of great importance. The child not only learns about new directions in the development of exact sciences and engineering, but also learns to put what he or she has learned into practice.