A conversation with inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and inventor Kiara Nirghin
The two young leaders discuss the importance of STEAM education.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” said Sally Ride, astronaut and physicist.
When I first heard this quote from Ride, the first American woman in space, I was struck not only by how intuitive her words were but also by how important it is for female leaders to do the work — and do it visibly — so that others can follow in their footsteps.
As a young female scientist and inventor, I talk a lot about breaking down barriers for girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). I fight to change the narrative around girls in STEM fields, sharing my work so that other girls can “be what they see” from my example. But I don’t often see the same conversations around STEAM fields (STEAM is STEM plus the arts — humanities, language arts, dance, drama, music, visual arts, design and new media). It’s just as important for girls to see themselves represented in STEAM and for them to understand the overlap between arts and science.
That’s why I was so excited to chat with Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet and one of the most visible young female leaders in STEAM right now. Sitting down with Amanda was like sitting down with a friend; it was one of the most natural and relatable conversations I’ve ever had. We have a lot in common, both being women of color in industries dominated by men and both hoping to change the world with our ideas. What I love is the difference in how we’re creating that change — me as a scientist and innovator, and Amanda through her words.
In our conversation, we discuss the importance of STEAM education and highlight the intersection of arts and science, from style in code to the architectural design behind a physics-grounded LEGO tower. Art and science are inextricably connected and the advocacy behind them should be too.
To all Assembly readers, I hope you see yourselves reflected in our conversation. As Amanda shared in her inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb”: “For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to be it.”
Video credit: Ayesha Shakya
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