The phrase “STEM career” is a vague term that actually represents an exciting array of jobs. For STEM month, we at Girl Scouts of Central Maryland would like to introduce you to several women who work in STEM fields. They will tell you in their own words why STEM careers are the best!

LaTisha Durham
PMA-231 Integrated Navigation, Controls and Displays System Lead/ Region II Professionals Chairperson with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)/ National Society of Black Engineers
Education History: BS in Computer Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University. ME in Systems Engineering from Iowa State University

What do you do?
I am lead effort (cost, schedule and performance) for E-2D (Advance Hawkeye) Navy Aircraft

How did you know that this is what you wanted to do?
In school, I visited NAVAIR’s career booth. To see the exciting things they did for the military intrigued me.

What is a typical day like at your job?
Meetings, meetings, meetings! My days are never the same when you lead 12 different Avionics boxes

What is the best part of your job?
Ensuring the warfighters have everything they need to complete a successful mission.

What is the most surprising thing that you have discovered about your field?
That Systems Engineering does not have anything to do with computers! You take a set of requirements and follow process that eventually get you to an end product What did you have to learn in order to do what you do? Math, Science and Management

What is one piece of advice you would give to girls about careers in STEM?
Do it! STEM is involved in our everyday lives. No matter what you are into, you can tie STEM in just about anything. Makeup, Cellphones, music, anything!

What is something girls should know about STEM?
It will not be easy. You may have to stay back when your friends go out just to study. You will have to spend long hours in the lab. You will have to work harder than your peers. After all the hard work, the reward once you see something you have built work or when you solve that hard math question is so worth it

Were you a Girl Scout?
No.